A lumen is the measurement of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. Lumens equal brightness, watts do not. PRO TIP: Lumens refer to the light emitted from the source, not the distance the light will travel. In regards to recessed lighting, for example, you will need to pair a high lumen output with an appropriate beam angle to push the light down to the area you are trying to light, for example, your counter-top. If the beam angle is too wide, the light will not get pushed down in high enough concentration to adequately light the intended space. ...YOU USED TO BUY A - YOU NOW NEED TO BUY A... 125W = 1600 Lumen 75W = 1100 Lumen 60W = 800 Lumen 40W = 450 Lumen