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Typical LED Strip Width and Height
One of the most important applications of LED strips is using them in aluminum profiles and neon tubes, which require different LED intensities and strip widths. Typically, LED strip widths range from 3mm up to 20mm—including options like 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 15mm—so you can select the size that best fits your application.
LED strip height is also important, particularly when choosing between IP20, IP65, and IP67 for water resistance and durability. Common models such as 2835 and 5050 LEDs come in different heights depending on their IP rating and package type.
| IP Rating | LED Chip | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | 2835 | 2.8-3.0 |
| IP20 | 5050 | 5.0-5.2 |
| IP65 | 2835 | 3.2-3.5 |
| IP65 | 5050 | 5.5-6.0 |
| IP67 | 2835 | 3.5-4.0 |
| IP67 | 5050 | 6.0-6.5 |
The height of LED chips can vary depending on their size. For example, SMD 5050 chips are taller than SMD 2835 chips. For our IP65 waterproof strips, we use a silicon coating, which adds a bit more height because it completely covers the LED chips. Our IP67 strips use silicone tube extrusion, so the whole LED strip is wrapped up, making it even thicker. You can learn more about the differences between various IP ratings through the following blog: LED Strip IP20 VS IP65 VS IP67 VS IP54 VS IP68.
Why LED Strip Size Matters
The width of an LED strip is critical for compatibility with aluminum profiles, which commonly accommodate 8mm or 10mm strips. These widths also influence power capacity: a 10mm strip typically maxes out at 16W/m for Monochromatic lighting, though RGBW or dynamic lighting variants may reach 19W/m at 10mm width .
Wider LED strips can carries more current and produce greater brightness, so they’re well-suited for general lighting or work areas. Narrower strips, on the other hand, are perfect for tight spots—like highlighting furniture—where you don’t need as much light.
The height of the strip depends on the size of the LED chip, such as 2835, 3535, or 5050. This affects how visible the strip’s profile is and its ability to dissipate heat. The thickness of an LED strip, usually 0.24mm (standard 2oz copper) or 0.35mm (3oz for higher currents), affects both durability and heat dissipation. Choosing the right width and height helps you get the best balance of brightness, efficiency, and fit for your needs, whether it’s for dramatic architectural accents or subtle decorative lighting. Always make sure the strip’s size and build match your installation space and the brightness you want.
Understanding LED Strip Width
Standard LED Strip Widths
8mm Width
Ideal for narrow spaces and compact installations such as furniture lighting.
Our 8mm 132LED 12V 2835 Cool White LED Strip uses 8W/m, which is lower in power than the 10mm and 12mm strips. However, for home lighting, this brightness is more than enough.
10mm Width
It works well for both indoor and outdoor lighting thanks to its balanced brightness and simple installation.
The power of our 10mm 132LED 12V 2835 Bright White LED Strip is 14W/m, it is higher than the 8mm version. A wider PCB can carries more current and supports higher power output.
12mm Width
This wider PCB is a good choice for high-power or RGBW strips because it improves stability and helps with heat dissipation.
The power of our 12mm 60LEDs 24V 5050 RGBW LED Strip is 19.2W/m. The 12mm-wide PCB can support higher power output and provide enough space for the more channels.
Ultra-Wide LED Strips
15mm Double Row LED Strips
15mm double row strips have a higher LED density. This results in greater brightness. They are suitable for commercial lighting and large-scale installations. These strips offer uniform illumination with minimal shadows, so they work well for architectural and signage projects.
Our 15mm 240LED 24V 2835 Double Row Cool White LED Strip features a double-row design. This design improves heat dissipation and provides more even lighting with minimal shadowing. The 15mm-wide PCB is mainly used to fit the dual rows of LEDs.
20mm Ultra-Wide LED Strips
20mm strips are designed for high-output lighting needs, such as industrial spaces, warehouses, and outdoor projects. With their extra width, they support more LEDs per meter to produce intense brightness and wide, effective coverage in demanding environments.
A 20mm-wide PCB is mostly used for addressable LED strips. For example, our 20mm UCS2903 RGB Addressable LED Strip allows each channel to run at 34mA, making it much brighter than chips like the UCS1903 or WS2811, which are only 17mA per channel.
Narrow LED Strips
2mm, 3mm, and 5mm wide LED strips are well-suited for ultra-thin and discreet lighting needs. Their compact size allows easy installation in narrow spaces such as cabinet edges, display cases, and architectural features. These strips fit minimalist designs where the light source stays hidden but still delivers clean and elegant illumination.
This 2mm LED strip is the thinnest LED strip we have; a unique PCB design can ensure not break while in installation. At 4W/m, it’s often used for lighting in architectural models or special creative designs.
This 3mm 120led 12V 2835 Small thin LED Strip is designed for applications where space is at a premium and flexibility is a must. Their compact size and high flexibility allow for innovative lighting solutions such as Accent Lighting, Backlighting, Wearable and Portable Devices, and Art and Decorative Projects. Currently, the strip is 4 watts per meter, if you need brighter, the brightness could be customized as well.
This 5mm 120LED 5V Ultra Thin LED Strip is our own design. You can see 5mm 12v strip in the market easily, while 5v LED strip in 5mm width is not easy to look for. This strip we customized the PCB and launched new to the market for clients used in 5v applications such as computers, cars, TVs, Gaming Setups, Portable and Mobile Applications, Home Decor and Under-Cabinet Lighting. One LED one cut is quite convenient in installation or DIY creation.
Width Variations for Different LED Types
RGB & RGBW LED Strip Widths
– Typically 10mm to 12mm.
This 10mm 60LEDs/m LED strip is the most classical one in the market and most widely accept one by people. It has 60 RGB LEDs per meter and DC12v design, each 3leds cuttable namely every 50mm could be cut, easy for different kinds of installation.
RGBCCT LED Strip Width
– Generally wider, 12mm to 15mm due to additional channels.
This types of RGBWW LED strip are RGB in 1 LED + WW in 1 LED, the independent WW 2 in one LED has super brightness, each W has 20lm, two independent W LED means 40lm. Much brighter than the RGBWW 5 colors in one LED chip traditional one. It can provide both colorful lighting options and the ability to adjust the white light temperature to suit various environments and preferences
Addressable RGB/RGBW/RGBWW LED Strip Widths
– Varies from 10mm to 20mm, depending on the LED IC and pixel density.
This RGBWW DMX UCS512G6 24V 72LEDs addressable LED strip uses a 12mm wide PCB mainly because the size of the IC requires it.There are 5 colors on the same SMD LED, namely R, G, B, WW, DW. RGB and adjustable white light (2700K-6500K) are combined in each 5050SMD LED. And white light and RGB light can be controlled independently to create more than 1 trillion color combinations.
Understanding LED Strip Height
How LED Strip Height Affects Installation
The height of an LED strip is important when choosing it for different applications. Thicker strips might not fit into compact profiles or tight spaces, which can limit their use in recessed or surface-mounted installations. Ultra-thin strips are ideal for sleek and low-profile designs. These strips fit easily in narrow or shallow spaces, making installation much simpler.
Height Based on IP Rating
IP20 (Non-Waterproof):
Height: ~1.5mm
These LED strips are thin and light because they don’t have any waterproofing. They work well in dry indoor spots, like under cabinets or for accent lighting.
IP65 (Silicone Coated):
Height: 2–3mm
These strips are covered with a silicone layer that provides some water resistance. This makes them a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or any area that may get slightly damp.
IP68 (Silicone Tube Extrusion):
Height: 5–8mm
Features: The IP68 LED strip are fully encapsulated in durable silicone or epoxy. The IP68 LED strip works well for outdoor and underwater applications, including fountains and landscape lighting.
Choosing the Right Width and Height Thickness LED Strip for Your Needs
Choosing the right width and height for your LED strip is very important to make sure it works well and fits your needs. You should pick the strip size based on what you need. Narrow strips between 2.5mm and 5mm work well in tight spots. Standard widths from 8mm to 12mm are good for general lighting. If you need a lot of brightness, wider strips around 15mm to 20mm are better. You also want to think about power and heat. A thicker PCB with more copper like 3oz lets the strip handle more power and keeps it cooler. If the heat still doesn’t go away enough you can use aluminum profiles. Another option is to mount the strip on metal. This will help it cool down better. Besides, if you need something both flexible and waterproof, flexible neon tubes will be a great option. Choosing the right width and height for your setup can keeps your lights bright and lasting.