How to Convert Lumens to Watts (With Quick Tables: e.g., 800 Lumens to Watts)
ZacharyWilliamNeed a quick lumens → watts estimate to replace a bulb or compare efficiency? Below you’ll find the simple formula, an instant 800 lumens to watts answer, and quick-reference tables for LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs.
Quick answer: 800 lumens to watts
LED: ≈ 8 W (modern LEDs are ~80–120 lm/W → ≈ 7–10 W)
CFL: ≈ 13.3 W (often sold as 13–14 W)
Halogen: ≈ 40 W
Incandescent: ≈ 53.3 W (commonly rounded to “60 W equivalent”)
Rule of thumb: a classic “60 W incandescent” outputs about 800 lm; a quality LED needs roughly 8–10 W to deliver the same brightness.
The formula: lumens ➜ watts
Watts measure power consumed; lumens measure light output. To estimate watts from lumens, you need the bulb’s luminous efficacy in lm/W.
Formula: Watts ≈ Lumens ÷ Efficacy (lm/W)
- LED: 80–120 lm/W (use 100 for quick math)
- CFL: ~60 lm/W
- Halogen: ~20 lm/W
- Incandescent: ~15 lm/W
800 lm ÷ 100 lm/W ≈ 8 W.
At 80 lm/W → 10 W; at 120 lm/W → 6.7 W.
Fast conversion tables (by bulb type)
| Lumens | LED (100 lm/W) | CFL (60 lm/W) | Halogen (20 lm/W) | Incandescent (15 lm/W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1.0 W | 1.7 W | 5.0 W | 6.7 W |
| 150 | 1.5 W | 2.5 W | 7.5 W | 10.0 W |
| 200 | 2.0 W | 3.3 W | 10.0 W | 13.3 W |
| 300 | 3.0 W | 5.0 W | 15.0 W | 20.0 W |
| 400 | 4.0 W | 6.7 W | 20.0 W | 26.7 W |
| 450 | 4.5 W | 7.5 W | 22.5 W | 30.0 W |
| 500 | 5.0 W | 8.3 W | 25.0 W | 33.3 W |
| 600 | 6.0 W | 10.0 W | 30.0 W | 40.0 W |
| 700 | 7.0 W | 11.7 W | 35.0 W | 46.7 W |
| 800 | 8.0 W | 13.3 W | 40.0 W | 53.3 W |
| 900 | 9.0 W | 15.0 W | 45.0 W | 60.0 W |
| 1000 | 10.0 W | 16.7 W | 50.0 W | 66.7 W |
| 1200 | 12.0 W | 20.0 W | 60.0 W | 80.0 W |
| 1500 | 15.0 W | 25.0 W | 75.0 W | 100.0 W |
| 1600 | 16.0 W | 26.7 W | 80.0 W | 106.7 W |
| 1800 | 18.0 W | 30.0 W | 90.0 W | 120.0 W |
| 2000 | 20.0 W | 33.3 W | 100.0 W | 133.3 W |
| 2600 | 26.0 W | 43.3 W | 130.0 W | 173.3 W |
| 3000 | 30.0 W | 50.0 W | 150.0 W | 200.0 W |
Rounded values. Always check the packaging for actual lumens and watts.
LED-only quick table (assume 100 lm/W)
| Lumens | Approx. LED Watts |
|---|---|
| 300 | 3 W |
| 450 | 4.5 W |
| 600 | 6 W |
| 800 | 8 W (≈7–10 W across 80–120 lm/W) |
| 1000 | 10 W |
| 1200 | 12 W |
| 1600 | 16 W |
| 2000 | 20 W |
Why there’s no single “exact” conversion
Two bulbs with the same brightness can draw different power because efficacy (lm/W) varies by technology and design. That’s why packaging highlights lumens—use it as the primary brightness metric, with watts as an efficiency clue.
Buying tips: how many lumens do you need?
- Replace a 60 W incandescent: choose ~800 lm LED (≈ 8–10 W).
- Reading/task lamp: ~450–800 lm per lamp, depending on distance and shade.
- Small bedroom ceiling light: ~1,000–2,000 lm total (room size and fixture style matter).
- Kitchens/desks: prioritize multiple light sources for higher local illuminance (lux), not just a single high-lumen bulb.
- Check color temperature (K): 2700–3000 K for warm/cozy; 4000–5000 K for neutral/cool task lighting.
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FAQ
1) How many watts is 800 lumens?
LED ≈ 8 W, CFL ≈ 13 W, halogen ≈ 40 W, incandescent ≈ 53 W (often rounded to a “60 W incandescent equivalent”).
2) How do I convert lumens to watts in general?
Use Watts ≈ Lumens ÷ Efficacy. Pick an efficacy value: LED (100 lm/W for quick math), CFL (60 lm/W), halogen (20 lm/W), incandescent (15 lm/W).
3) Is a higher watt LED always brighter?
No. Brightness is lumens. One 9 W LED could be dimmer than another 8 W LED if the latter is more efficient.
4) What LED wattage replaces a 60 W incandescent?
Typically an LED around 8–10 W producing ~800 lm.
5) Why do my LEDs show slightly different lumens at the same wattage?
Driver design, LED chip quality, optics, and thermal management affect efficacy and actual lumen output.
6) Can I go by “equivalent wattage” on packaging?
Use it as a hint only. Always confirm the listed lumens; that’s the real brightness metric.
7) What if I only know watts and want lumens?
Reverse the math: Lumens ≈ Watts × Efficacy. Example (LED 100 lm/W): 9 W × 100 = 900 lm.
8) Do color temperature and CRI affect the conversion?
They don’t change the lumen↔watt math, but they impact perceived quality: choose CCT (K) and CRI suitable for your space.
9) Are lumen and lux the same?
No. Lumens are total output; lux is illuminance on a surface (lumens per square meter). Room size and layout affect lux.
10) Is 800 lumens bright enough for a living room?
Usually as a single bulb it’s a starting point. Many living rooms feel better with 1,500–3,000 lm from multiple sources.
11) What’s the range of LED efficacy I should expect today?
Common consumer LEDs fall around 80–120 lm/W. Premium products may exceed that; bargain options can be lower.
12) Do dimmers change the conversion?
Dimming reduces both watts and lumens proportionally (not always linearly). Ensure the LED and dimmer are compatible.
