LED Chip Sizes Explained: 2835, 3528, 5050 & 5630

When sourcing SMD LEDs for lighting fixtures, the four-digit model number — 2835, 3528, 5050, 5630 — is not just a part code. It encodes the physical dimensions of the LED chip, which directly determines power handling, luminous output, thermal performance, and the applications each type serves best.

This guide decodes every major SMD LED size, compares their real-world performance, and tells you exactly which chip to specify for your project.

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1. How to Read SMD LED Numbers

The four-digit number follows a simple rule: first two digits = length in mm, last two digits = width in mm.

Model	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Common Name

**2835**	2.8	3.5	Compact mid-power
**3528**	3.5	2.8	Classic small SMD
**5050**	5.0	5.0	Square RGB
**5630**	5.6	3.0	High-lumen mid-power
**3014**	3.0	1.4	Slim backlight
**3030**	3.0	3.0	Ceramic high-power

Important: 3528 and 2835 look similar on paper (both ~10 mm² area), but the different aspect ratio changes how manufacturers place the LED die inside the package, which affects heat dissipation and lumen density.

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2. 2835 LED: The Workhorse of Modern Lighting

Specifications

Parameter	Typical Value	Notes

Dimensions	2.8 × 3.5 × 0.8 mm	Slightly rectangular
Power range	0.2W – 1.0W	Most common: 0.5W
Forward current	60 mA – 150 mA	0.5W version at 150 mA
Luminous flux (0.5W)	50 – 75 lm	At 4000K, CRI 80
Efficacy	130 – 160 lm/W	Premium chips reach 170+ lm/W
Beam angle	120°	Wide, uniform distribution
Thermal resistance	50 – 80 K/W	Moderate, adequate for FR4 PCB

Why 2835 Dominates the Market

The 2835 package replaced the older 3528 as the default choice for general lighting because:

1. Larger die area — The 2.8×3.5 mm package fits a bigger LED die than 3528, increasing lumen output at the same current

2. Better thermal pad — The bottom-mounted thermal pad connects directly to PCB copper, improving heat flow

3. Higher power ceiling — Can be driven at 0.5W–1W for high-lumen panels and tubes

4. Cost optimization — At volume, 2835 delivers the best lm-per-dollar ratio

Best Applications

Real-World Example

A standard 1200 mm LED tube light uses 96 × 2835 LEDs at 0.5W each:

Explore our 2835 LED chips

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3. 3528 LED: The Classic Small Format

Specifications

Parameter	Typical Value	Notes

Dimensions	3.5 × 2.8 × 1.9 mm	Taller than 2835
Power range	0.06W – 0.1W	Low-power indicator/decor
Forward current	20 mA	Standard operating current
Luminous flux	6 – 10 lm	At 20 mA, 4000K
Efficacy	100 – 130 lm/W	Lower than modern 2835
Beam angle	120°	Standard wide beam
Thermal resistance	150 – 250 K/W	Poor thermal path

Key Characteristics

The 3528 was the first widely adopted SMD LED package (introduced in early 2000s). It remains popular for:

Limitations

1. Low power ceiling — Cannot safely exceed 0.1W without overheating

2. No thermal pad — Heat must dissipate through the leads, limiting sustained output

3. Lower efficacy — Older chip technology inside the package

Best Applications

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4. 5050 LED: The RGB and Multi-Chip Specialist

Specifications

Parameter	Typical Value	Notes

Dimensions	5.0 × 5.0 × 1.6 mm	Square package
Power range	0.2W – 0.6W	Three dies inside
Forward current	60 mA per channel	RGB channels individually controlled
Luminous flux (white)	15 – 25 lm	Combined RGB white
Efficacy	80 – 120 lm/W	Lower due to phosphor conversion losses
Beam angle	120° – 160°	Very wide
Special feature	3-in-1 RGB dies	Independently controllable channels

Unique Architecture

The 5050 package contains three separate LED dies in one housing:

Die	Wavelength	Color

Die 1	620–625 nm	Red
Die 2	520–525 nm	Green
Die 3	460–465 nm	Blue

Why this matters:

Best Applications

Important Note on “White” 5050

Some 5050 LEDs use a phosphor coating over a blue die to produce white light (similar to 2835/5630). These are not RGB and cannot change color. Always verify whether a “5050 white” is:

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5. 5630 LED: The High-Lumen Powerhouse

Specifications

Parameter	Typical Value	Notes

Dimensions	5.6 × 3.0 × 0.8 mm	Elongated rectangular
Power range	0.5W – 1.5W	Highest power in mid-power SMD
Forward current	150 mA – 350 mA	Depends on power rating
Luminous flux (0.5W)	60 – 90 lm	At 4000K, CRI 80
Luminous flux (1.0W)	120 – 180 lm	Requires excellent thermal management
Efficacy	130 – 170 lm/W	Premium chips: 180+ lm/W
Beam angle	120°	Wide distribution
Thermal resistance	40 – 60 K/W	Good thermal pad design

Why 5630 Delivers More Light

The elongated 5.6×3.0 mm package provides:

1. Larger die space — Fits a bigger LED die or multiple dies for higher output

2. Extended thermal pad — The long dimension allows a larger heat-spreading pad on the PCB

3. Higher current tolerance — Can be driven at 350 mA when properly heat-sinked

Best Applications

Thermal Warning

At 1W+ power levels, 5630 LEDs require:

Without proper thermal design, junction temperature exceeds 85°C, causing:

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6. Side-by-Side Comparison

Specification	2835	3528	5050	5630

**Dimensions**	2.8×3.5 mm	3.5×2.8 mm	5.0×5.0 mm	5.6×3.0 mm
**Typical power**	0.5W	0.06W	0.2W	0.5W–1.0W
**Max current**	150 mA	20 mA	60 mA/ch	350 mA
**Lumens (typical)**	50–75 lm	6–10 lm	15–25 lm	60–180 lm
**Efficacy**	130–170 lm/W	100–130 lm/W	80–120 lm/W	130–180 lm/W
**Thermal pad**	Yes (bottom)	No	No	Yes (bottom)
**RGB capable**	No	No	Yes	No
**Best for**	General lighting	Decorative strips	Color-changing	High-output panels
**Cost (per chip)**	$0.02–$0.05	$0.005–$0.02	$0.03–$0.08	$0.03–$0.10
**Thermal risk**	Low	Very low	Low	Moderate–High

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7. Selection Guide: Which LED for Your Application?

Scenario 1: LED Tube Light (T8 Replacement)

Recommended: 2835 at 0.5W, 96 chips per 1200 mm tube

Why: Optimal balance of cost, efficacy, and thermal management for linear fixtures.

Scenario 2: Decorative RGB Strip Light

Recommended: 5050 RGB, 60 chips per meter

Why: Only package offering true color mixing in a single SMD footprint.

Scenario 3: High-Lumen Office Panel (600×600 mm)

Recommended: 5630 at 0.5W–1.0W, 40–60 chips per panel

Why: Maximum lumen density with acceptable thermal load when mounted on aluminum PCB.

Scenario 4: Low-Cost Accent Strip (Under Cabinet)

Recommended: 3528 at 0.06W, 60 chips per meter

Why: Lowest cost per meter, adequate brightness for accent lighting, minimal heat concerns.

Scenario 5: Outdoor Flood Light (Replacing 250W MH)

Recommended: 5630 at 1.0W on aluminum PCB with heat sink

Why: High lumen output per chip reduces total component count; aluminum substrate manages thermal load.

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8. Future Trends: Beyond Standard SMD Sizes

The industry is moving toward even more efficient and compact packages:

New Package	Dimensions	Advantage	Application

**EMC 3030**	3.0×3.0 mm	Ceramic substrate, 1W+ capability	High-power compact fixtures
**CSP (Chip Scale Package)**	~1.0×1.0 mm	No package, die-level mounting	Ultra-thin displays, micro-LED
**Mini LED**	100–200 μm	High density, local dimming	Premium TV backlighting
**Micro LED**	<50 μm	Self-emissive display pixels	Next-gen displays

For general lighting manufacturers, 2835 and 5630 will remain the dominant packages through 2025–2027 due to their proven reliability, automated assembly compatibility, and cost structure.

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Conclusion

The SMD LED package size you choose directly impacts your fixture’s performance, cost, and reliability:

At Queendom LED, we supply all four SMD LED types with consistent binning, full technical documentation, and customizable CCT/CRI configurations. We offer free samples for qualified fixture manufacturers.

Request 2835 samples | Browse SMD LED catalog | Download datasheets

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