This online calculator helps you estimate electrical power consumption in watts (W) based on luminous output in lumens (lm), using typical luminous efficacy values of various bulb types such as LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent.
Lumens to Watts (W) Converter
Enter lumens and select bulb type to calculate estimated power usage in watts.
Lumens (lm)
Result in Watts (W)
How to Use This Tool
- Enter the light output in lumens into the input field.
- Select the type of bulb from the dropdown list:
- LED – typical efficiency of 90 lumens per watt
- CFL – compact fluorescent, estimated at 55 lm/W
- Halogen – more efficient than incandescent, uses 20 lm/W
- Incandescent – lowest efficiency, about 15 lm/W
- Click the Convert button to calculate the approximate wattage.
- The result will appear in the output field labeled “Result in Watts (W)”.
- You can change the number of decimal places displayed by modifying the “Decimal Places” field.
- Click Copy Result to copy the output value.
- Click Clear All to reset all inputs and results.
- Use the Swap button to open the reverse calculator: Watts to Lumens.
Measurement Unit Definitions
Lumen (lm)
The lumen is a derived SI unit that measures the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source per second. It is based on luminous flux and represents perceived brightness. Abbreviation: lm. 1 lumen ≈ 0.00146 watts (for incandescent bulbs). It is not a unit of energy, but of light output, and has no direct equivalent in the imperial system.
Watt (W)
The watt is the SI unit of power and measures the rate of energy consumption or generation. It is equal to 1 joule per second. Abbreviation: W. In lighting, it is commonly used to express how much electrical energy is consumed by a light source. For example, a 60-watt bulb consumes 60 joules per second. 1 W = 1000 milliwatts (mW). There is no direct imperial unit for electrical power; however, horsepower (hp) is sometimes used for mechanical power: 1 hp ≈ 746 W.
Common Bulb Wattage and Lumen Output Chart
| Bulb Type | Wattage (W) | Lumens (lm) | Efficiency (lm/W) | Region Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | 25 | 220 | 8.8 | USA / UK / EU (legacy) |
| Incandescent | 40 | 450 | 11.3 | USA / UK / EU |
| Incandescent | 60 | 800 | 13.3 | USA / UK / EU |
| Incandescent | 75 | 1100 | 14.7 | USA / UK |
| Incandescent | 100 | 1600 | 16 | USA / UK / EU |
| Halogen | 28 | 370 | 13.2 | EU / UK |
| Halogen | 42 | 630 | 15 | EU / UK |
| Halogen | 53 | 900 | 17 | EU / UK |
| Halogen | 70 | 1200 | 17.1 | EU / UK |
| CFL | 5 | 250 | 50 | USA / EU |
| CFL | 9 | 450 | 50 | USA / EU |
| CFL | 13 | 800 | 61.5 | USA / EU |
| CFL | 15 | 900 | 60 | USA / EU |
| CFL | 23 | 1600 | 69.6 | USA / EU |
| LED | 4 | 400 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| LED | 6 | 600 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| LED | 8 | 800 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| LED | 10 | 1000 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| LED | 12 | 1200 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| LED | 15 | 1500 | 100 | USA / UK / EU |
| Metal Halide | 100 | 9000 | 90 | USA / EU (commercial) |
| Metal Halide | 250 | 21000 | 84 | USA / EU |
| Metal Halide | 400 | 36000 | 90 | USA / EU |
| High Pressure Sodium | 150 | 15000 | 100 | USA / EU (street lighting) |
| Fluorescent Tube (T8) | 32 | 2800 | 87.5 | USA / EU (commercial) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens is a 60 watt bulb?
A traditional 60W incandescent bulb produces about 800 lumens. An LED bulb with the same brightness only needs around 8–10 watts.
What is the lumen output of a 1000 watt metal halide?
A 1000W metal halide bulb typically produces around 90,000 to 110,000 lumens, depending on brand and age.
How many lumens is a 500 watt halogen bulb?
500W halogen bulbs emit approximately 9,000 to 10,000 lumens.
How many watts is 1600 lumens?
It depends on bulb type. Approximate values:
- LED: 15–17 watts
- CFL: 23 watts
- Halogen: 100 watts
- Incandescent: 100–120 watts
What’s the most efficient lighting option?
LED bulbs are the most efficient, producing up to 120 lumens per watt or more, compared to 10–15 lm/W for incandescent bulbs.
CalcuLife.com
Leave A Comment