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Light bulb codes describe different things: A19 identifies a bulb’s shape and size family, while E26 identifies its screw base. To choose a replacement, match the base to the socket, then confirm the bulb fits and suits the fixture’s electrical and operating requirements.
How to read a light bulb code
- Read the shape or size marking. A letter or group of letters identifies the bulb’s shape or reflector feature. In many inch-based families, the number is the bulb diameter in eighths of an inch. For example, A19 is commonly 19/8 inches, or about 2-3/8 inches, in diameter. LEDVANCE explains common bulb shapes and sizes.
- Read the base marking separately. E26 and E12 refer to screw-base sizes. GU10 identifies a two-pin push-and-twist base. The base must match the fixture’s socket. LEDVANCE’s guide to bulb bases describes common connections.
- Check the fixture and bulb together. The code alone does not guarantee fit or safe operation. Verify physical clearance, the fixture’s wattage limit, and any requirements for enclosed fixtures or dimmers.
For example, A19/E26 means an A19-shaped bulb with an E26 medium screw base. BR30/E26 pairs a reflector-style bulb with an E26 base. A GU10 bulb connects differently: its pins push in and twist to lock. These are common combinations, not a guarantee that a bulb will fit every fixture. See LEDVANCE’s bulb type examples.
Common light bulb codes and their uses
| Marking | What it describes | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| A19 | A-series bulb shape and size; often paired with an E26 base in North America | General household lamps and fixtures |
| A21 | A larger A-series format than A19 | Larger fixtures where the bulb clears the housing |
| BR30 | Bulged reflector form, about 30 eighths of an inch in diameter | Recessed cans and some track lighting |
| PAR38 | Parabolic reflector format, about 38 eighths of an inch in diameter | Outdoor floodlighting or more focused lighting |
| E26 | Medium Edison screw base | Many North American household sockets |
| E12 | Candelabra screw base | Chandeliers and decorative fixtures |
| GU10 | Two-pin twist-and-lock base | Compatible spotlights and recessed fixtures |
These are typical formats and applications, not a substitute for checking your fixture’s socket, opening, and operating requirements. LEDVANCE’s shape guide and base guide explain the naming conventions.
How to compare brightness and wattage
Compare bulbs by lumens when you want to match light output. Watts measure electrical power consumed; they do not directly tell you how bright a bulb will be. The U.S. Department of Energy’s consumer comparison, accessed in 2026, gives these LED wattage ranges for the listed lumen outputs:
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TJOY 6 Pack A19 LED Light Bulbs, Soft Warm White 2700K, 60 Watt Eq,E26 Base
- 60W Incandescent Replacement Bulb: A19 LED bulbs are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs but generate less heat. No lead or mercury, no IR radiation. It provides a comfortable lighting space and protects our visual health at the same time
- Energy Efficient & Durable: Replace 60W bulbs with just 9W, saving 85% on energy bills. With estimated annual costs of only $1.08 (3 hours/day use), this bulb lasts up to 13.7 years - no more frequent replacements needed.
- Eye-care 2700K Soft White Bulbs: Our non-flickering and non-dazzling 60 watt light bulbs protect your eyes while ensuring a healthy environment. These non-dimmable bulbs have a color temperature of 2700 Kelvin, giving you a cozy, romantic feel. It complements the atmosphere of dining and casual relaxation
- High Brightness & CRI: When you flip the switch, these energy saving light bulbs come on immediately with 800 lumens of brightness and a steady soft white color. With a color rendering of 80 CRI, which can make the color of objects more real, natural and accurate
- Wide Application: In the home lighting is often used in the living room, bedroom, kitchens and other places need to create a warm atmosphere, as well as commercial spaces such as supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, cafes and offices, while reducing energy consumption and expenses
| Light output | LED power range |
|---|---|
| 450 lumens | 4.5–7 watts |
| 800 lumens | 5.9–10.5 watts |
| 1,100 lumens | 9.5–14 watts |
| 1,600 lumens | 10.5–18 watts |
Those Department of Energy ranges apply to A-type, general-purpose replacement bulbs with E26 medium bases and are based on ENERGY STAR’s certified bulb list. Treat them as a guide under those assumptions, not as an exact conversion for every bulb. See the Department of Energy’s lighting comparison and guidance.
What to check before choosing a replacement
- Base: Match the bulb connection to the socket, such as E26, E12, or GU10.
- Shape and clearance: Check that the bulb fits under the shade, inside the recessed can, or through the fixture opening. A bulb can be too large near its base even if its general shape seems right.
- Brightness: Compare lumens with the old bulb or the light level you want.
- Fixture limit: Stay within the fixture’s stated maximum wattage and check any special-use requirements.
- Enclosed fixtures: Confirm the bulb’s packaging or technical specifications permit enclosed use. Trapped heat can affect LED performance and life.
- Dimming: Check both that the bulb is marked dimmable and that it is compatible with the existing dimming system.
- Light appearance: Review color appearance or correlated color temperature (CCT), along with color-rendering information, if those matter for the room.
The Department of Energy advises checking enclosure suitability and dimmer capacity and compatibility; its lighting guidance also explains why fixture conditions matter.
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SaleBestseller No. 2
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Amazon Basics A19 LED Light Bulbs, 60 Watt Equivalent, Energy Efficient 9W, E26 Standard Base, Soft White 2700K, Dimmable, 10,000 Hour Lifetime , 6-Pack
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: These 9W LED light bulbs provide the brightness of 60 watt light bulbs, saving $55.87 in energy costs over their lifetime compared to the incandescent equivalent
- LONG LASTING PERFORMANCE: These LED bulbs offer a 10,000 hour lifespan, providing lasting illumination for over 9 years (based on 3 hours of use each day), helping minimize replacements
- DIMMABLE FUNCTIONALITY: The dimmable LED light bulbs allow you to control your illumination easily by adjusting the vibrant light to your preferred mood or task
- STANDARD FIT: These A19 LED bulbs, 60W equivalents come with an E26 base, easily fitting most fixtures
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Lepro A19 E26 LED Light Bulbs 9W 800 Lumens Daylight White 5000K 5 Pack
- 10000 Hours Lifespan: Each bulb has an impressive lifespan of 10,000 hours, lasting over 9 years based on 3 hours of daily usage.
- Save 85% on Energy: Our LED bulbs use only 9-watt power, replacing 60-watt incandescent bulbs and reducing energy consumption by 85%.
- Easy Installation with Standard E26 Base: Our bulbs come with a standard E26 base that can be effortlessly screwed into any light fixture with a medium screw base. They are widely used in table lamps, floor lamps, and open pendant fixtures, making them a versatile option for any home or commercial setting.
- Energizing Daylight: With a color temperature of 5000 Kelvin, our LED bulbs provide a calm and comfortable white light that is perfect for any room. Whether you are reading, working, or simply relaxing, our bulbs offer the ideal lighting solution.
- What You'll Receive: With your purchase, you'll receive 5 non-dimmable A19 E26 LED bulbs that will provide you with long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting. (Please note that these bulbs are NOT eligible for shipments to California.)
Rank #3
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Lepro A19 E26 LED Light Bulbs 9W 800 Lumens Soft White 2700k 5 Pack
- 10000 Hours Lifespan: Each bulb has an impressive lifespan of 10,000 hours, lasting over 9 years based on 3 hours of daily usage.
- Energy Saving: Our LED bulbs use only 9 watts of power, replacing 60 watt incandescent bulbs and reducing energy consumption by 85%.
- Easy Installation with Standard E26 Base: Our bulbs come with a standard E26 base that can be effortlessly screwed into a light fixture with a medium screw base. They are widely used in table lamps, floor lamps, and open pendant fixtures, making them a versatile option for any home or commercial setting.
- Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Soft Warm Light: Our LED bulbs emit a warm white light with a color temperature of 2700 Kelvin, producing an incandescent-like warm white light that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- What You'll Receive: With your purchase, you'll receive 5 non-dimmable A19 E26 LED bulbs that will provide you with long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting. (Please note that these bulbs are NOT eligible for shipments to California.)
Rank #2
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Linkind A19 LED Light Bulbs Dimmable, 60W Equivalent, Energy Efficient 9W, 2700K, 800 Lumens, E26 Standard Base, Lighting for Bedroom Living Room Home Office, 6 Packs
- ✔ 2700K WARM YELLOWISH LIGHT: The A19 dimmable LED light bulbs give off 800 lumens of 2700k cozy color light. Easy installation with the standard medium screw base E26. NOTE: Please confirm the Kelvin (K) value. This is the most accurate way to select your desired light color. This bulb is 2700K light, which produces a WARM YELLOWISH light. It is not a Bright White or Daylight White bulb. If you prefer a whiter light, please consider our 4000k Cool White or 5000K Daylight options.
- ✔ENERGY EFFICIENT & LONG LASTING: Linkind A19 LED light bulbs can last for at least 13 years based on 3hrs/day of use. It provides up to 85% energy saving by replacing 60W incandescent light bulbs with 9W power. Replace your old incandescent bulbs for a brighter and more energy friendly home. ETL and FCC certification to guarantee great quality. No mercury. You can use Linkind’s products without any worry.
- ✔ SMOOTH DIMMING: Compatible with most LED dimmers to have smooth dimming. Dim to create your favorite brightness to control the look and feeling of your space. No buzzing, no humming, and no flickering.Tips: In order to avoid flickering, the LED dimmer is suggested. If with Halogen type dimmer, it may cause flickering or buzzing when on lower settings. Not compatible with 3-way lighting fixture or 3-way dimmer switch.
- ✔WIDE APPLICATION: Turns on instantly, no warm up time, 120V. The 2700K light creates a cozy & relaxing atmosphere. Offers a comfortable and yellowish light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs, perfectly and widely used in the home indoor lighting, hotel, meeting room, offices, hospital, schools, factories and more, depend on your personal preference. Suitable for use in totally enclosed luminaries.
- ✔ 【Reminder】:Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines the hue of white light. LOWER Kelvin values produce a WARMER, YELLOWER light, while HIGHER Kelvin values produce a COOLER, BLUER light.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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