LED Strip Driver Calculator

Find the right power supply for your LED strip — instantly and for free

⚡ Enter Your Strip Details

✅ Your Recommended Driver

Recommended Driver Size
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Total Strip Load
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With 20% Safety Buffer
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Output Voltage
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Driver Type
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Strip Load per Metre
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Minimum IP Rating
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📖 Related Guides

How to Choose an LED Strip Driver Dimming Compatibility & Why LEDs Fail Early

📋 Quick Reference

⚠️ Max Run Lengths (to avoid voltage drop)

  • 12V strip: max 5m per run
  • 24V strip: max 10m per run
  • 48V strip: max 20m per run
W/mTypical UseOutput
2.4Accent / coveLow
4.8General ambientMedium
7.2Feature / kitchenMed-High
9.6Task / retailHigh
14.4CommercialVery High
19.2IndustrialUltra

💡 Pro Tip

Always size your driver to at least 120% of the total strip load. A driver running at 80% capacity runs cooler, generates less heat, and lasts significantly longer — often 2–3× the lifespan of a driver running at full load.

📖 Understanding LED Strip Drivers

Constant Voltage (CV) Drivers

LED strips require a constant voltage (CV) driver — not a constant current driver. Make sure the driver output voltage exactly matches your strip: 12V, 24V, or 48V. Mismatching will damage your strip.

Why the 20% Buffer?

LED strips draw slightly more current when cold, and power supplies degrade over time. A 20% headroom keeps your driver in its efficient zone — reducing heat and extending lifespan by years.

Dimmable Drivers

Your driver AND controller must use the same dimming protocol. Common types: Triac (wall dimmers), 0–10V (commercial BMS), DALI (smart buildings), PWM (LED strip controllers). Mixing incompatible types causes flicker.

Voltage Drop on Long Runs

Low-voltage strips can suffer voltage drop on long runs — the light gets dimmer toward the far end. Fix: use 24V or 48V strips, power from both ends, or split into multiple shorter runs each with their own driver.

How to Size an LED Strip Driver — Complete Guide

Choosing the right LED strip driver (power supply) is one of the most important decisions in any LED strip installation. An undersized driver will overheat and fail prematurely. An oversized driver wastes money. And the wrong voltage will either dim your strips or destroy them instantly.

The Basic Formula

Sizing an LED strip driver comes down to three steps:

Total load (W) = Strip wattage per metre × Total length (m)
Required driver size (W) = Total load × 1.2 (20% safety buffer)

Always choose the next standard driver size above your calculated requirement. Standard sizes are typically 30W, 40W, 50W, 60W, 75W, 100W, 120W, 150W, 200W, 240W, 300W, 320W and 500W.

12V vs 24V vs 48V — Which Voltage?

VoltageBest ForMax Run LengthNotes
12VShort decorative runs, under-cabinet~5m per runMost common, widest product range
24VLonger runs, commercial, high-wattage~10m per runLess voltage drop, preferred by professionals
48VVery long runs, high-output strips~20m+ per runEmerging standard for architectural lighting

Why the 20% Safety Buffer Matters

Running a driver at 100% capacity continuously generates excess heat and dramatically shortens its lifespan. A quality driver like a MeanWell HLG or ELG series is rated for a certain MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) at 80% load — exceed that and you void the warranty and halve the life expectancy. The 20% buffer also leaves room for any slight inaccuracies in the strip's stated wattage, which can vary by up to 10% between manufacturers.

Single Driver vs Multiple Drivers

For large installations, you have two options: one large driver feeding all strips in parallel, or multiple smaller drivers each powering a zone. Multiple smaller drivers are often preferred because:

As a rule of thumb, avoid runs longer than 5m on 12V or 10m on 24V from driver to the furthest point of strip — voltage drop beyond these distances causes visible dimming.

Dimmable Drivers

If you want to dim your LED strips, the driver and dimmer must be compatible. Common dimming protocols include:

Never connect a non-dimmable driver to a dimmer switch — it will flicker, buzz, or be permanently damaged.

IP Ratings for Drivers

IP RatingProtectionSuitable For
IP20No moisture protectionDry indoor locations only
IP44Splash resistantBathrooms (outside Zone 1)
IP65Dust-tight, water jetsOutdoor covered locations
IP67Temporary immersionOutdoor exposed, near water features
IP68Continuous immersionPool surrounds, underwater

MeanWell Driver Model Guide

MeanWell is the industry benchmark for LED drivers. Here's a quick guide to their most common series for LED strip installations:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What size LED strip driver do I need? ▼
Add up the total wattage of your LED strip (watts per metre × total length in metres), then multiply by 1.2 to add a 20% safety buffer. Choose the next standard driver size above that number. For example, a 5-metre run of 14.4W/m strip needs 72W total × 1.2 = 86.4W, so choose a 100W driver.
What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strip drivers? ▼
12V drivers are more common and suit shorter runs up to about 5 metres before voltage drop becomes significant. 24V drivers allow longer runs (up to 10 metres) with less voltage drop because the higher voltage means lower current for the same wattage. 24V systems are preferred for runs over 5 metres, high-wattage strips, or commercial installations.
Why do I need a 20% safety buffer on my LED driver? ▼
Running a driver at 100% of its rated capacity shortens its lifespan significantly and can cause it to overheat. The industry standard is to size the driver so the connected load is no more than 80% of its rated output. It also leaves headroom if you add more strip later.
What IP rating do I need for my LED strip driver? ▼
For indoor dry locations, IP20 drivers are suitable. For outdoor, bathroom, or damp locations, use at least IP65. For outdoor exposed installations or near water features, use IP67 or IP68 rated drivers. Never use an indoor IP20 driver in a location exposed to moisture.
Can I connect multiple LED strips to one driver? ▼
Yes — provided the total wattage of all strips combined does not exceed 80% of the driver's rated output. Connect multiple strips in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative), not in series. Each strip run should still be checked individually for voltage drop if runs are longer than 5 metres.
What is a dimmable LED driver and do I need one? ▼
A dimmable LED driver allows you to vary the brightness of your LED strip. Common dimming methods include TRIAC, 0-10V, PWM, and DALI. If you want to dim your strips, you must use a dimmable driver AND a compatible dimmer — mismatching causes flickering or damage. If dimming is not required, a non-dimmable driver is simpler and cheaper.
MeanWell vs cheap LED drivers — what's the difference? ▼
MeanWell is the industry standard brand for LED drivers. MeanWell drivers have accurate voltage regulation, built-in protections (over-voltage, over-current, short circuit), long rated lifespans, and proper safety certifications. Cheap unbranded drivers often have poor voltage regulation, no protection circuitry, and can fail prematurely or damage your LED strips. For any permanent installation, always use a quality driver.
What is voltage drop in LED strip installations? ▼
Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage along the length of the LED strip cable. For 12V strips, a drop of more than 0.5V can cause visible dimming at the far end of the run. The solution is to use larger cable, shorten the run, inject power from both ends, or use a higher voltage system (24V or 48V).