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How Many Lights Do You Need for a Christmas Tree?
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The rule of thumb
We opened one source on this: the 1000Bulbs blog, written by a lighting retailer (updated Oct. 21, 2024). Retailers sell lights, so read the numbers as a starting point. The blog itself says there is no "right" amount.
| Tree height | Incandescent minis (100 per foot) | LED minis (50 per foot) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 600 | 300 |
| 7 ft | 700 | 350 |
| 8 ft | 800 | 400 |
The 600, 700 and 800 figures are from 1000Bulbs. The LED column is our arithmetic from its 50-per-foot figure. For a brighter look the retailer says 200 incandescent minis per foot.
- Why fewer LEDs? 1000Bulbs says LEDs are brighter than incandescents, so you need fewer.
- C7 and C9 bulbs. The retailer says these LED bulbs need far fewer than incandescent versions but gives no numbers in the text we read.
- Different bulb types may need more or fewer. The 100 and 200 figures are for incandescent mini lights.
Our strand arithmetic
If your strands have 100 bulbs each (check the box), divide the bulb count by 100. A 6-foot tree needs about 6 incandescent strands or 3 LED strands at the retailer's rule. A 7-foot tree needs about 7 or 3.5, so buy 4 LED strands.
Check the watts on the box before you plug several into one outlet. ENERGY STAR says certified strings use no more than 0.2 watts per bulb, so 300 LED bulbs would use at most 60 watts. A strand that is not certified may use more. Use the calculator's power check, and see what it costs in cost to run.
Tips
- Test every strand before you put it on the tree (our advice).
- Use lights marked for indoor use on an indoor tree. For anything outside, see outdoor lights.
- In Minnesota's fire code, as one city fire department explains it, electric lights must be UL approved. Look for a safety-lab mark on the box wherever you live.
- Unplug the tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed (our advice).
Not found: an independent source (not a retailer) for lights per foot. If you know a better one, tell us.
Need lights?
Pick outdoor-rated LED strings. Check the box for the wattage and for how many strands you can connect end to end.
Browse LED light stringsCount what you need firstCommon questions
How many lights do I need for a 6-foot Christmas tree?
A lighting retailer (1000Bulbs) says about 600 incandescent mini lights at 100 per vertical foot, or 300 LED mini lights at about 50 per foot. It says there is no right amount.
Do LED lights need fewer per foot?
The same retailer says LEDs are brighter, so you only need about 50 per vertical foot.
How many lights for a brighter tree?
1000Bulbs says up to 200 incandescent mini lights per vertical foot for a brighter look.