Choosing the right LED strip light is not only about the number of LEDs per meter, but also about the power, brightness, lumen output, and color temperature.
This guide explains these technical factors in simple language, helping you make the best decision for any lighting application.

1. Power (Wattage): What Does It Mean?

Power refers to how much electrical power the LED strip consumes, measured in watts (W) per meter.

Why power matters

• Determines energy efficiency
  
• Influences brightness and lifespan
  
• Helps calculate total power supply requirements
  

Typical LED Strip Ranges

• Low-power ambient lighting: 4–8W/m
  
• High brightness indoor lighting: 10–18W/m
  
• Commercial / engineering grade: 20W/m and above
  

Power Selection Tips

• For decoration: choose low wattage
  
• For main lighting: choose high wattage
  

2. Brightness: The Real Output You See

Brightness is directly related to:

• LED type (such as 2835, 5050, 3014)
  
• Power per meter
  
• Efficiency
  

Misunderstanding to Avoid

Brightness ≠ Number of LED beads
Example:
A 120LED/m strip can be dimmer than a 60LED/m strip if power and efficiency are lower.

3. Lumens (lm): The Scientific Measurement

Lumens (lm) measure visible light output.

Why lumens matter

• Accurately reflects brightness
  
• Helps compare LED strips scientifically
  

Typical Lumen Levels

• Ambient lighting: 600–900 lm/m
  
• Home functional lighting: 1000–1500 lm/m
  
• Commercial lighting: 1500–2500+ lm/m
  

Higher lumens = brighter, but also more heat → Requires good heat dissipation.

4. Color Temperature (CCT): Warm or Cold?

Color temperature determines the tone of light and is measured in Kelvin (K).

Common ranges

• 2700K–3000K: Warm white (cozy, hotels, living rooms)
  
• 4000K–4500K: Neutral white (offices, working areas)
  
• 6000K–6500K: Cool white (commercial, supermarkets)
  

How to choose CCT by application

5. CRI (Color Rendering Index) — Accuracy of Color

Although CRI is not requested by the user, it is closely related to brightness perception.

• >90 CRI recommended for commercial
  
• >95 CRI recommended for showcases or art lighting
  

6. Choosing LED Strips — Practical Guide

Home / Residential

• 10–14 W/m
  
• 4000K
  
• CRI >90
  

Hotels / Hospitality

• 12–20 W/m
  
• 3000–3500K
  
• High lumens, high CRI
  

Commercial & Retail

• 15–24 W/m
  
• 4000–5000K
  
• Very high lumens
  

Large-scale Engineering

• 24–48V models
  
• No voltage drop over long distances
  

7. Conclusion

LED strip performance depends on power, brightness, lumens, and color temperature — not just LED quantity.
Understanding these parameters ensures lighting that is:

• Efficient
  
• Comfortable
  
• Durable
  
• Suitable for its environment