Quick answer: For most metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) retrofits, an LED rated at roughly one-third to one-half of the old lamp's wattage gives similar or better usable light. A 400W metal halide is usually replaced with a 100W to 150W LED, a 250W with 60W to 100W, and a 1000W with 300W to 400W. The chart below lays this out by fixture type, with the Eco LED Mart products that fit each range.
Wattage is only a starting point. What you are really matching is light on the ground (lumens and distribution), so the sections after the chart explain how to adjust for mounting height, old lamp condition and fixture type.
Metal Halide and HPS to LED Wattage Equivalent Chart
These are typical replacement ranges used in commercial retrofits. Use the low end of the range when the existing lamps are old and dim or the space is over-lit, and the high end for tall mounting heights or areas that need more light than they have today.
| Existing MH or HPS lamp | Typical LED replacement | Common fixture types |
|---|---|---|
| 70W | 18W to 25W | Small wall packs, post tops, E26 corn bulbs |
| 100W | 30W to 40W | Wall packs, small area lights |
| 150W to 175W | 40W to 80W | Wall packs, low-height area lights, low bays |
| 250W | 60W to 100W | Wall packs, high bays under 20ft, parking lot lights on short poles |
| 400W | 100W to 150W | High bays, canopy lights, street and parking lot lights, E39 corn bulbs |
| 750W | 200W to 240W | High bays at 25ft and up, large area lights |
| 1000W | 300W to 400W | High bays at 30ft and up, sports and large area lighting |
Why LED needs fewer watts
- Ballast draw: MH and HPS lamps need a ballast, which adds its own power draw on top of the lamp rating. A "400W" fixture typically pulls noticeably more than 400W from the circuit.
- Lumen depreciation: HID lamps lose a large share of their output over their life, so the fixtures you are replacing are often producing far less light than when new.
- Directional light: HID lamps emit light in all directions and rely on reflectors, which lose some of it. LED fixtures aim most of their output down or forward.
Matching the Chart to Real Products
Below are current Eco LED Mart products sorted by the type of fixture they replace. Specs and prices are from the product pages at the time of writing.
Warehouse and gym high bays
Most high bay retrofits replace 400W, 750W or 1000W metal halide. Wattage-selectable fixtures are useful here because you can set the output on site after seeing the light at your ceiling height.
- 100W/120W/150W Selectable UFO High Bay ($69): 140 lm/W, 120-277V, 0-10V dimming. The usual choice for 250W to 400W MH at roughly 15ft to 25ft.
- 200W/220W/240W Selectable UFO High Bay ($88): 140 lm/W, 120-277V. Fits 400W MH at taller heights or 750W MH.
- 200W/240W/300W Selectable UFO High Bay ($110): 140 lm/W, 120-277V. The 300W setting is a common starting point for 1000W MH.
- 110W/165W/220W Selectable Linear High Bay ($99): up to 30,800 lumens, 120-277V. The product page lists it as a replacement for metal halide or T5/T8 fluorescent fixtures in 15ft to 30ft ceilings.
Corn bulbs (keep the existing fixture)
If the housings are in good shape, an LED corn bulb lets you keep the fixture and swap the lamp. The product pages list these equivalents:
- 18W LED Corn Bulb, E26 base ($17.86): 2,610 lumens, listed as equivalent to 70W MH/HPS.
- 115W LED Corn Bulb, E39 mogul base ($91): 13,500 lumens, listed as equivalent to 400W MH/HPS.
- 150W/125W/100W Selectable Corn Bulb, E39 ($95): 145 lm/W, listed as equivalent to 450W MH/HPS.
- 240W/210W/180W Selectable Corn Bulb, E39 ($115): 145 lm/W, listed as equivalent to 750W MH/HPS.
Check the base size before ordering: E26 is the standard medium base, E39 is the larger mogul base used in most HID fixtures of 175W and up. Follow the installation guide on each product page for wiring, since HID ballasts are typically bypassed when converting to LED corn bulbs. All options are in our LED corn bulb collection.
Wall packs
- 40W/60W/80W Selectable Wall Pack ($75): up to 11,200 lumens, photocell included. The product page lists it as replacing up to 250W MH/HPS.
- 80W/100W/120W Selectable Wall Pack ($89): up to 16,800 lumens, photocell included. Listed as replacing up to 350W MH/HPS.
See every size in LED wall packs.
Parking lot, street and canopy lights
- 100W/120W/150W Selectable Street Light ($108): 20,205 lumens, slip fitter mount, Type III distribution. A typical replacement for 250W to 400W MH/HPS pole lights.
- 200W/240W/300W Selectable Street Light ($188): 42,000 lumens, slip fitter with shorting cap. Suits 400W to 1000W MH/HPS on taller poles.
- 150W LED Canopy Light ($99): 19,500 lumens, listed as replacing standard 400W MH canopy fixtures.
For pole mounting options and photocells, browse LED parking lot lights.
How to Adjust the Equivalent for Your Site
- Count lumens, not just watts. Multiply the LED wattage by its lumens per watt to estimate output. A 150W fixture at 140 lm/W is about 21,000 lumens.
- Factor in mounting height. Taller ceilings and poles spread light over a larger area, so step up within the range as height increases.
- Look at the old lamps. If the area looked dim before, size up. If it was already bright, the low end of the range will likely be enough.
- Use selectable wattage when unsure. Many of the fixtures above let you switch wattage on site, so you can install one, check it, and adjust.
- Confirm voltage. Most fixtures above run on 120-277V. For 480V sites, choose a 277-480V model.
For more detail on the full conversion process, read our complete guide to retrofitting metal halide with LEDs.
FAQ
What LED wattage replaces a 400W metal halide?
Usually 100W to 150W. A 150W LED high bay or street light is the most common pick, and you can step down to 100W or 120W on a wattage-selectable fixture if the light is more than you need.
Is the LED equivalent different for HPS than for metal halide?
The same wattage ranges work as a starting point for both. HPS gives off an orange light, so many people find white LED light looks brighter at the same lumen level.
What LED replaces a 1000W metal halide?
Typically 300W to 400W, depending on mounting height and how bright the space needs to be. A 300W fixture is a reasonable first choice for most warehouses.
Can I put an LED corn bulb in my existing metal halide fixture?
Yes, if the housing is in good condition and the base matches (E26 or E39). Follow the installation guide on the product page, which covers wiring the bulb for the fixture.
Get Help Sizing Your Retrofit
Send us your current lamp wattage, fixture count and mounting height, and we will help you pick the right LED replacement. Shop LED high bay lights or call (678) 231-4970. Orders over $149 ship free.