LED Color Chart: A Complete Guide to Understanding LED Colors

An led color chart is a useful visual reference that helps users understand the different colors produced by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and how these colors are represented. LED color charts are widely used in electronics, lighting design, automotive applications, decorative lighting, signage, and digital displays. They simplify the process of selecting the right LED color for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

What Is an LED Color Chart?

An LED color chart displays a range of colors that LEDs can emit, usually organized by color name, wavelength, RGB values, or hexadecimal color codes. This chart allows engineers, designers, and hobbyists to identify and compare colors accurately before using them in a project.

Unlike traditional light bulbs, LEDs emit light at specific wavelengths, making color control more precise. An LED color chart helps visualize these differences clearly.

Common LED Colors Explained

An LED color chart typically includes the following common colors:

Red: Often used for indicators, warning lights, and brake lights. Red LEDs usually have longer wavelengths.

Green: Common in status indicators and traffic signals, offering high visibility.

Blue: Frequently used in decorative lighting and electronic displays.

Yellow: Often created by combining red and green light or using phosphor-coated LEDs.

White: Produced by combining RGB LEDs or using a blue LED with a phosphor coating.

Amber: Popular in automotive lighting and signal indicators.

Purple and Pink: Typically achieved by mixing red and blue light.

Each of these colors appears in an LED color chart with consistent labeling for easy reference.

RGB LED Color Chart

One of the most popular types is the RGB LED color chart. RGB LEDs combine red, green, and blue light in varying intensities to create millions of colors. An RGB LED color chart shows how different combinations of these three primary colors result in unique shades.

For example:

Red (255, 0, 0)

Green (0, 255, 0)

Blue (0, 0, 255)

White (255, 255, 255)

Cyan (0, 255, 255)

This type of LED color chart is essential for programmable lighting systems, LED strips, and smart lighting solutions.

LED Color Chart and Wavelengths

Another variation of the LED color chart focuses on wavelengths, measured in nanometers (nm). Different colors correspond to specific wavelength ranges:

Red: 620–750 nm

Orange: 590–620 nm

Yellow: 570–590 nm

Green: 495–570 nm

Blue: 450–495 nm

Violet: 380–450 nm

This type of LED color chart is especially useful in scientific, medical, and industrial applications.

Uses of an LED Color Chart

An LED color chart is valuable in many scenarios, including:

Lighting design: Choosing the right ambiance for homes or commercial spaces

Electronics: Identifying indicator light meanings

Automotive: Selecting appropriate signal and dashboard lights

Decorative projects: Creating color effects for events or displays

Programming: Assigning RGB values for LED controllers

How to Read an LED Color Chart

To read an LED color chart effectively, identify whether the chart is based on color names, RGB values, or wavelengths. Then, match your project’s requirements—such as brightness, mood, or functionality—with the appropriate color entry on the chart.

Conclusion

An LED color chart is an essential tool for anyone working with LED lighting or electronics. It helps simplify color selection, improves accuracy, and ensures consistency across projects. Whether you are a designer, engineer, or DIY enthusiast, understanding and using an LED color chart can greatly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your lighting solutions.