How to Measure What Size Recessed Can Light you Have
Retrofitting your existing fixtures with LED lights is not just an upgrade—it’s a wise investment that enhances your space, saves energy, and reduces your electricity bill. Whether aiming to brighten your living room, create ambiance in your dining room, or improve task lighting in your kitchen, you’ll need the right size retrofit lights to achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality. Here’s how to find the right LEDs for your next DIY project.
How to Measure Your Current Housing Size
If the room you’re working on has existing recessed lights, you’ll need to start by measuring the housing size. This is an important first step, because your new retrofit lights must match the housing diameter for a secure fit. Here’s how you can do it:
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Remove the Trim: Carefully remove the trim and the existing light bulb from your fixture.
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Measure the Diameter: Using a measuring tape, measure the diameter of the opening inside the housing. The standard sizes are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches.
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Record the Results: Note your measurements and reference them when selecting your new LED retrofits.
Standard Sizes for Recessed Can Lights
4 inch recessed lights
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Standard ceiling cut-out size: 4-3/8 inches
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Inside diameter of housing (without trim): Approximately 4 inches
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Typical uses: Accent, task, and general lighting
5 inch recessed lights
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Standard ceiling cut-out size: 5-5/8 inches
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Inside diameter of housing (without trim): Approximately 5 inches
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The least common of the three most common can light sizes
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Most LED Retrofit modules are "5/6-inch" compatible
6 inch recessed lights
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Standard ceiling cut-out size: 6-3/8 inches
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Inside diameter of housing (without trim): Approximately 6 inches
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The most common recessed light size
5/6" Square Retrofit Can Light
from $19.16
Fits existing 5 or 6 inch standard recessed cans. Included E26 base adapter and adjustable butterfly clips for easy plug and play installation.
View ProductThe Wrong Way to Measure Your Recessed Can Light Size
Important Note: Measuring the outside of the trim or the diameter of the cut-out opening in the drywall will result in an inaccurate (larger) measurement. To correctly measure your recessed can light size, measure the inside of the housing that fits in the hole.
Check Product Specifications
Not all LED lights are created equal. Beyond size and beam angle, comparing product specifications ensures you choose lights tailored to your functional and aesthetic needs. Here are the most critical specs to review:
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Lumen Output:
Higher lumens mean brighter light. Choose the right lumen level based on the room’s purpose—higher for task areas like kitchens and lower for relaxation zones like bedrooms. -
Color Temperature:
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Warm white (2700K–3000K) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
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Neutral white (3500K–4000K) balances warmth and brightness, ideal for dining areas or offices.
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Daylight (5000K) delivers a crisp, energizing light for kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces.
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Dimmability:
Dimmable lights allow you to adjust brightness levels, offering versatility for any mood or occasion. -
Energy Efficiency:
LED retrofit lights use less energy than traditional bulbs. Opt for models with lower wattage to save on utility costs without sacrificing performance.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re dreaming up for your next DIY project, you can use these simple steps to find the perfect retrofit lights to get the job done. Taking the guesswork out of things will help save time, money, and energy so you can focus on enjoying the results of your hard work.
When it comes to high-quality, energy-efficient retrofit lights, NuWatt has you covered. With a wide range of options and unparalleled customer support, we’re here to help you light up your home beautifully and sustainably. Ready to get started? Explore our Retrofit Recessed Lighting Collection today and find the perfect lights for your next project.