How Much Light?

Brightness is a description of light output, which is measured in lumens (not watts). Light bulb manufacturers include this information and the equivalent wattage right on the packaging. Common terms are "soft white 60," "warm light 60," and "60 watt replacement." Sometimes a diagram will show two images with an equal sign, as in the packaging image to the right.

To save energy, find the bulbs with the light output you need, and then choose the one with the lowest wattage. You can also look for a CFL that is labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you are replacing.

The color of light may also affect how bright a light appears, even if the lumens are the same. Since most people are used to the soft yellowish glow from incandescent light bulbs, CFLs that produce light closer to the color of daylight (color temperatures above 3000K) may appear brighter because the color of the light is less yellow. Learn more about color temperature.

How Much Light Do I Need?
Incandescent Bulbs (watts)	Minimum Light Output (lumens)	Common ENERGY STAR Qualified Light Bulbs (watts)
40	450	9 to 13
60	800	13 to 15
75	1,100	18 to 25
100	1,600	23 to 30
150	2,600	30 to 52