LED Package 2835 vs 3030: Efficiency and Size

What are LED package sizes?

An LED package size is a standard code that describes the dimensions of the surface-mount device (SMD) chip. The first two digits indicate the width in tenths of a millimeter, and the last two digits indicate the length. For example, a 2835 package is 2.8 mm wide and 3.5 mm long. A 3030 package is 3.0 mm wide and 3.0 mm long.

These numbers appear in the listing title or specifications of many grow lights. They tell you the physical size of the individual LED emitters on the board. The package size influences how much current the LED can handle, how efficiently it converts electricity to light, and how the heat is managed.

Grow light listings often mention the package size alongside the chip brand (such as Samsung or Osram). Knowing the difference between 2835 and 3030 helps you understand what the maker chose for that light and why. For more on reading spec sheets, see how to read an LED grow light spec sheet.

2835 package: smaller size, higher efficacy potential

The 2835 package is one of the most common SMD sizes in LED lighting. It is smaller than the 3030, which allows manufacturers to place more LEDs in a given area. This dense layout can produce a more uniform light distribution, especially in strip lights and linear fixtures. Strip lights like the best LED grow light strips often use 2835 packages.

Because the 2835 is designed for lower current per chip, it often operates at a higher efficacy (more light per watt) when driven at its rated current. Many linkable grow light strips and T5-style tubes use 2835 packages to achieve a broad, even spread of light for seed starting and shelf growing.

Thermal behavior is also a factor. The smaller package has less surface area to dissipate heat, so it relies on the board design and airflow to stay cool. In well-designed fixtures, 2835 LEDs can run efficiently without excessive heat buildup.

3030 package: larger size, higher current handling

The 3030 package is larger and can handle higher forward current than the 2835. This makes it a common choice for quantum boards, bar lights, and high-power fixtures where each LED needs to output more light. The larger footprint also provides more area for heat to transfer to the board, which can improve thermal management. Quantum boards and bar lights like the best quantum board grow lights commonly use 3030 packages.

Many premium grow lights from brands like Spider Farmer, MARS HYDRO, and VIVOSUN use 3030 packages, often paired with Samsung LM301H or Osram diodes. The larger size allows the chip to be driven harder without overheating, which is useful for covering larger grow tents.

Efficacy can still be high with 3030 packages, especially when using modern chip designs. However, because they are often run at higher currents, the overall efficacy may be slightly lower than a 2835 run at a lower current. The trade-off is more total light output per fixture.

Efficiency and thermal behavior compared

Efficacy (light output per watt) depends on the chip design, the current it is driven at, and the thermal environment. In general, a 2835 package driven at its rated current can achieve very high efficacy, which is why it appears in energy-efficient strip lights. A 3030 package driven at a higher current may produce more total photons but at a slightly lower efficacy. Efficacy is central to comparing lights; see what is efficacy (µmol/J) for an explanation.

Thermal behavior is closely tied to package size. The 3030 has more surface area to conduct heat away from the junction, so it can tolerate higher temperatures without degrading. The 2835 relies more on the board's thermal path and may need active cooling or lower drive currents to stay within safe limits.

When reading a listing, look for the chip brand and the package size together. A Samsung LM301B in a 3030 package is a different product than a generic 2835 chip. The maker's page or manual may provide more details on the drive current and thermal design, but the catalogue does not include those figures.

How to read listings for package sizes

The package size is often stated in the listing title or in the bullet list. For example, a title might read "Samsung LM301B 3030 LED Grow Light" or "2835 SMD Strip Light." If the package size is not mentioned, you can check the product images or the maker's page.

Some listings combine the package size with the chip brand. This is helpful because the chip brand (Samsung, Osram, Bridgelux, etc.) is a stronger indicator of quality than the package size alone. A 2835 from a reputable maker can outperform a generic 3030. You can compare chip brands across the best Samsung LED grow lights.

If the listing does not state the package size, it may be because the seller does not consider it a key feature. In that case, you can look at the light type: strip lights and T5 tubes often use 2835, while quantum boards and bar lights often use 3030. This is a general pattern, not a rule.

What to pick for your job

Your choice between 2835 and 3030 should be guided by the light type and the job you need it for, not the package size alone. For seed starting on a shelf or a windowsill of herbs, a strip light with 2835 packages can provide even coverage at a low cost. For a grow tent where you need higher intensity, a quantum board or bar light with 3030 packages is more common. For a general overview, see the best LED grow lights.

The table below matches common grower jobs to the light types that typically use each package size. Use the linked guides to compare models based on stated details.

What to pick for your job

Questions

Is a 3030 package always better than a 2835?

No. The package size is only one factor. A 2835 from a high-quality chip maker can be more efficient than a generic 3030. The chip brand, drive current, and thermal design matter more. See the best quantum board grow lights for examples of high-quality 3030 fixtures.

Which package size is more efficient?

In general, 2835 packages can achieve higher efficacy when driven at their rated current, but 3030 packages can produce more total light. The efficiency depends on the specific chip and how it is used. For a deeper explanation, read what is efficacy (µmol/J).

Do all strip lights use 2835 packages?

Many do, but not all. Some strip lights use 3030 or other sizes. Check the listing or the maker's page for the exact package size. You can compare strip lights on the best LED grow light strips.

Can I tell the package size from the light type?

Often yes. Strip lights and T5 tubes commonly use 2835. Quantum boards and bar lights commonly use 3030. But always verify on the listing.

Does the package size affect heat?

Yes. A larger package like 3030 has more surface area to transfer heat, so it can handle higher currents. A smaller 2835 needs good board design and airflow to stay cool.

Should I choose a light based on package size alone?

No. Look at the chip brand, the light type, the wattage, and the coverage area stated on the listing. Package size is one detail among many. Start with the best LED grow lights to see the range of options.

Where can I find the package size on a listing?

It is often in the title or the bullet list. If not stated, check the product images or the maker's page. The catalogue does not include it if the seller omits it.

Are 2835 packages only for low-power lights?

Not necessarily. They are common in low-to-moderate power strip lights, but some high-quality 2835 chips can be used in medium-power fixtures. The drive current determines the power.