LED Density
The number of LED chips per meter on a strip light. Higher density produces smoother, more even light with fewer visible dots. Common values: 30, 60, 120, or 144 LEDs/m.
LED density is the single biggest factor in how a strip light looks when installed. At 30 LEDs per meter, individual dots are clearly visible — fine for hidden accent lighting where you only see the reflected glow, but ugly if the strip itself is exposed. At 60 LEDs/m, the dots are closer together and blend better, especially behind a frosted diffuser. At 120 LEDs/m, the light is nearly seamless even without a diffuser.
Higher density means higher power consumption per meter and more heat. A 120 LED/m strip in SMD 2835 might draw 14-20W per meter compared to 4-7W for a 30 LED/m version. This affects both the power supply sizing and the need for aluminum channel mounting to dissipate heat.
Density also interacts with chip type. A 60 LED/m COB strip looks seamless despite having fewer LEDs per meter than a 120 LED/m SMD strip, because COB chips are packed with no visible gaps. When comparing strips, always consider density and chip type together — they jointly determine the visual quality.
Specifications
| 30 LED/m | Accent/decorative — visible dots |
| 60 LED/m | Standard — good general use |
| 120 LED/m | High density — smooth, even light |
| 144 LED/m | Ultra density — near-seamless |
Related Terms
- SMD (Surface Mount Device)
A type of LED chip soldered directly onto a circuit board. Common in strip lights — the number (2835, 5050) indicates the chip dimensions in tenths of millimeters.
- COB (Chip on Board)
A dense array of LED chips bonded directly to a substrate, producing a seamless, dot-free light output. Used in high-end strip lights and downlights.
- Cut Marks
Designated points on an LED strip where you can safely cut to shorten it. Marked with a scissor icon or copper pads — cutting between marks will damage the circuit.