All tools

Lumens / Watts Converter

Bulb brightness across LED, CFL, and incandescent.

Lumens
5400
Watts
60.0
≈ 386W incandescent equivalent

Brightness reference

  • 40W incandescent ≈ 450 lumens (small lamp, mood lighting)
  • 60W incandescent ≈ 800 lumens (typical bedroom)
  • 75W incandescent ≈ 1100 lumens (kitchen, bathroom)
  • 100W incandescent ≈ 1600 lumens (workspace, garage)
  • 150W incandescent ≈ 2600 lumens (outdoor flood)

Watts measure energy use, lumens measure light output. Old bulbs were sold by watts because they were all about the same efficiency. LEDs vary, so packaging now lists lumens. A 9-watt LED puts out roughly the same light as a 60-watt incandescent.

About

Pick a bulb type and enter watts to get lumens, or vice versa. Includes the rough incandescent equivalent for any output. Useful when shopping for LEDs and trying to match the brightness of an old bulb.

How to use

  1. Pick bulb type.
  2. Enter watts or lumens.
  3. Read the other.

FAQ

How many lumens for a 60W incandescent?+

About 800. So an 8-10W LED at 80-100 lm/W puts out roughly the same light as the old 60W bulb. Always check the lumens listed on the LED package; wattage labels on LEDs are misleading.