How Many Lumens is a 60 Watt Bulb?

Back in the day, buying a light bulb used to be easy: 60 watts? Good for the bedroom.

100 watts? Great for the kitchen. Then came LEDs, lumens... and confusion.

If you’ve ever stood in an aisle wondering what “800 lumens” means, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down—no physics degree required.

What is a 60-watt Bulb Equal to?

The Quick Answer: 60 Watts ≈ 800 Lumens

A traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb gives off about 800 lumens of brightness.

Here’s a quick reference chart for common wattages and their approximate lumens:

Traditional-Bulb-Wattage-40W-60W-75W-100W-Approximate-Lumens-450-lumens-800-lumens-1100-lumens-1600-lumens

So, when shopping for a modern LED bulb to match the brightness of an old 60-watt incandescent, look for around 800 lumens.

Watts vs Lumens: A Friendly Guide to the Real Difference

What Are Watts?

Let’s start with the classic: Watts (W).

Watts measure how much energy a light bulb uses—not how much light it gives off.

In incandescent bulbs, higher watts usually meant more brightness—but only because they were inefficient. Most of the power went into heat, not light.

Think of watts as the electricity budget your bulb spends to produce light.

More watts = higher electricity bill (Unless, of course, you're using an LED).

What Are Lumens?

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: Lumens (lm).

Lumens measure light output—aka brightness!

The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Here’s a fun analogy:

Imagine you’re pouring water into a glass.

  • Watts = How much effort it takes to pump the water (energy in)
  • Lumens = How much water ends up in your glass (light out)

So two different bulbs might both give you 800 lumens (same brightness), but one uses 60 watts (old incandescent) while the other only uses 9 watts (modern LED). Same brightness. Way less power.That’s why lumens matter more than watts when choosing a bulb today.

Incandescent vs LED: How Do They Compare?

In the past, people used watts to estimate brightness because incandescent bulbs were all similarly inefficient.

But with today’s LED technology, you get the same light at a fraction of the energy. That’s why it’s important to switch from thinking in watts to thinking in lumens.

Here’s how different bulbs stack up when producing the same amount of brightness:

Wattage-required-for-450-lumens-800-lumens-1100-lumens-and-1600-lumens-incandescent-bulbs-CFL-bulbs-and-LED-bulbs

Conclusion: To replace a 60W incandescent, choose an 8–10W LED with 800 lumens. ISame brightness. Far more efficient.

Why Are LEDs So Much Better?

Energy‑Efficient Lighting: LED Bulbs with 800 Lumens for Home Fixtures

  • Higher Efficiency: LEDs convert more electricity into light, not heat.
  • Longer Lifespan: Most LEDs last 10,000–25,000 hours. Incandescents? Only ~1,000.
  • Money-Saving: They use up to 85% less energy, which means lower electric bills.
  • Cool to the Touch: No more hot glass when you change a bulb.

Example:

A 60W incandescent running 3 hours/day = ~66 kWh/year.

A 9W LED lighting? Only ~10 kWh/year.

That’s an 85% savings in energy for the same brightness!

EDISHINE A19 LED Light Bulb, 760LM 3000K 9 Watt(60 Watt Equivalent LED)

EDISHINE-LED-bulbs-save-90-percent-more-energy-than-incandescent-bulbs-while-providing-higher-lumens-and-longer-lifespan

Prefer a Clean, Modern Look? Try This A19 Bulb

Looking for a sleek, functional lighting upgrade? The EDISHINE 4-Pack A19 LED Light Bulbs are a smart, energy-efficient choice. Each bulb delivers 760 lumens of bright, neutral white light at 3000K, making them ideal for kitchens, reading nooks, bedrooms, and other everyday living spaces where clarity and comfort are key.

Designed to replace traditional 60W incandescent bulbs, these non-dimmable LEDs use just 9 watts, helping you cut energy use by over 80% without sacrificing brightness. Featuring the classic A19 shape, standard E26 base, and UL certification, they’re a reliable fit for most household light fixtures.

EDISHINE Vintage LED Edison Bulbs 8W Equivalent 60W, ST64 700LM

EDISHINE-Vintage-LED-Edison-Bulbs-8W-Equivalent-60W-ST64-700LM

Perfect 60W Replacement? Try This Vintage Beauty

If you're ready to swap out your old 60-watt bulbs, the EDISHINE 12 Pack Vintage Edison LED Bulbs is a stylish and energy-saving choice. Each edison bulb uses just 8 watts while delivering a warm 700 lumens of amber glow—close to the brightness of a traditional 60W incandescent, but at a fraction of the energy cost.

Featuring a soft 2200K amber glow, signature ST64 teardrop shape, and exposed filament-style design, these bulbs add a nostalgic, ambient feel to any space—perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms, cafés, or cozy commercial environments. Plus, they’re dimmable and UL listed for enhanced safety and versatility.

One Brightness, Two Different Vibes

By now, you know the magic number: 800 lumens ≈ 60 watts. But brightness isn’t the only factor when choosing the right light. Style, color temperature, and the mood you want to create also matter.

That’s where different types of LED bulbs come in.

Want a cozy, vintage glow with retro charm?

The EDISHINE ST64 Edison LED Bulbs give you warm 2200K amber light, perfect for cafés, living rooms, or rustic-themed spaces. Same 60W brightness, but way more atmosphere.

Need everyday functional lighting for reading, cooking, or working?

The EDISHINE A19 3000K LED Bulbs offer a clean, neutral white tone ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices. Bright, efficient, and no-fuss.

With modern LEDs, you no longer have to trade efficiency for brightness—or style for performance. Whether you're replacing an old 60W bulb for your reading lamp or creating a cozy glow for your dinner party, there's a perfect LED match waiting for you.

And the best part?

Less wattage, same light. More mood, less energy. That’s the power of choosing by lumens, not just watts.

FAQ: Common Questions About Bulbs & Brightness

Q: How many lumens is a 100W bulb?

A: Roughly 1600 lumens for an old incandescent.

Q: Is 800 lumens bright enough for a bedroom?

A: Yes! It’s ideal for general use. For a softer glow, consider 450–600 lumens.

Q: Are more watts better?

A: Not necessarily! More lumens = brighter. More watts = more power consumed.

Q: Can I put an LED bulb in any fixture?

A: In most cases, yes—just ensure the fixture’s max wattage is higher than the LED’s actual watt use.