---
title: "What Is Lumen? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A lumen is the unit that measures how much visible light a bulb or fixture gives off, which tells you its brightness."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Lumen

A lumen is the unit that measures how much visible light a bulb or fixture gives off, which tells you its brightness.

Watts measure power use. Lumens measure light. ENERGY STAR says brightness is a description of light output, which is measured in lumens (not watts). The Department of Energy adds that lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

When you compare bulbs, compare lumens first. An [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led) can give the same lumens as an older bulb with fewer watts. Pair the lumen number with the right [color temperature](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature) and [CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri) for the room. See [LED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation).

[Daniel Electric can helpLED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)
-   [Color temperature](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature)
-   [CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri)
-   [Wattage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wattage)

## Sources

1.  [ENERGY STAR: Learn About Brightness](https://www.energystar.gov/products/learn-about-brightness)
2.  [U.S. Department of Energy FEMP: Purchasing Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-light-bulbs)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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