Numbers and LEDs: What does 2835, 3528 and 5050 mean?

Have you ever shopped for LED light strips and noticed numbers like 2835, 3528, or 5050? These numbers might seem confusing at first, but they’re actually quite straightforward.

The letters SMD stand for Surface Mounted Device, which means the LED chip is mounted directly onto the strip’s surface—no wires needed. This surface mounting technology is what makes LED light strips possible.

The numbers following "SMD" indicate the size of the LED chip in millimeters. For example, an SMD 3528 chip measures 3.5 mm by 2.8 mm. Keep in mind, however, that size doesn’t directly determine brightness or performance; there are other factors that differentiate LED chip types beyond their dimensions.

Understanding SMD 3528 LEDs

SMD 3528 chips are among the most common LED chips used in light strips. Compared to other types, they offer the lowest brightness and consume the least power, making them ideal for accent lighting applications—such as under-cabinet lighting or crown molding highlights.

Previously, 3528 chips were featured in our Luma5 strips. However, these have largely been replaced by more efficient SMD 2835 chips, which provide similar brightness but with improved energy efficiency and longer lifespan. You can explore our current range of Luma5 strips featuring 2835 chips here.

Understanding SMD 5050 LEDs

SMD 5050 chips, measuring 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm, are nearly as popular as 3528 chips. They are typically about three times brighter than 3528 chips, making them ideal for task lighting—such as under kitchen cabinets where bright, focused light is needed.

Additionally, 5050 strips often come in color-changing versions, allowing users to select any color via remote or controller, adding versatility to their lighting setup.

Previously, 5050 chips were used in our Luma10 strips, available in both single-color and multicolor RGB options. You can browse our selection of Luma10 RGB 5050 kits here.

Understanding SMD 2835 LEDs

SMD 2835 chips closely resemble 3528 chips in size but incorporate newer technology, resulting in significantly higher efficiency. This means they deliver much greater brightness at the same power level. Measuring 2.8 mm × 3.5 mm, they are smaller than 5050 chips yet excel in task lighting and even work lighting applications.

Our brightest and most efficient LED strips, the Luma20 series, utilize high-output 2835 chips. You can explore our range of Luma20 strips here.

Editor's Note: Originally, our Luma series names corresponded directly to specific LED chip types—Luma5 with 3528 chips, Luma10 with 5050 chips, and Luma20 with 2835 chips. However, with ongoing advancements in LED technology, these associations have become outdated. Today, the Luma designations reflect the approximate lumen output per chip: about 5 lumens per chip for Luma5, 10 lumens per chip for Luma10, and 20 lumens per chip for Luma20.

Now that you understand the differences between the various LED chip types on our strips, remember that chip type is just one factor when choosing the perfect LED light strip for your project. If you need personalized advice or support, feel free to contact us anytime—our experts are ready to help you light up your project!