How much power does a single WS2812B pixel use?

A single WS2812B pixel draws up to 60mA at 5V when displaying full white (all three channels at maximum brightness). That's 0.3W per pixel. At typical animation brightness (30-50%), draw drops to 18-30mA. For power supply sizing, always calculate based on 60mA maximum to ensure headroom.

How do I calculate the total power for my LED project?

Use this formula: Total Amps = (Pixel Count × 0.06A) × 1.2 safety margin. Total Watts = Total Amps × Voltage. Example: 500 WS2812B pixels → 500 × 0.06 = 30A × 1.2 = 36A. Power = 36A × 5V = 180W. Choose a 5V 40A (200W) power supply. For 12V WS2811: 500 × 0.02A × 1.2 = 12A → 12V 15A (180W) supply.

What wire gauge do I need for LED pixels?

For main power runs: 14 AWG (up to 30A), 16 AWG (up to 22A), 18 AWG (up to 16A). For branch connections: 20-22 AWG (up to 7A). Use silicone-insulated wire for flexibility and heat resistance. Keep power runs as short as possible and use multiple injection points for long strips.

What is power injection and when do I need it?

Power injection means adding additional power feed points along a long LED strip instead of powering from one end only. Without injection, voltage drops along the strip cause LEDs at the far end to appear dimmer and shift toward red/yellow. Inject power every 150 pixels (2.5m at 60 LED/m) for WS2812B, or every 300 pixels for 12V WS2811.

LED Pixel Power Supply Calculator

Getting your power supply sizing right is critical. Too small and pixels dim, flicker, or the supply overheats. Too large and you waste money and space. This guide provides the formulas, charts, and real-world examples to size your supply perfectly.

The Formula

Required Amps = Pixel Count × Max Current Per Pixel × 1.2 Safety Margin

WS2812B / APA102: 0.06A per pixel at 5V (60mA)
SK6812 RGBW: 0.08A per pixel at 5V (80mA — four channels)
WS2811 (single LED): 0.02A per node at 12V (20mA)
WS2811 (3-LED module): 0.06A per node at 12V (60mA)

Real-World Examples

Desk setup — 2m WS2812B 60/m (120 pixels):
120 × 0.06A × 1.2 = 8.6A → Use 5V 10A supply (LRS-50-5).

Room perimeter — 15m WS2812B 30/m (450 pixels):
450 × 0.06A × 1.2 = 32.4A → Use 5V 40A supply (LRS-200-5). Inject power every 150 pixels.

Holiday mega-tree — 2000 WS2811 nodes (12V):
2000 × 0.02A × 1.2 = 48A → Two 12V 29A supplies (LRS-350-12). Distribute across the tree.

Wire Gauge Chart

14 AWG: Up to 32A — main trunk power runs
16 AWG: Up to 22A — secondary power distribution
18 AWG: Up to 16A — branch runs and power injection taps
20 AWG: Up to 11A — short branch connections
22 AWG: Up to 7A — data lines and low-current branches

Power Injection Points

For WS2812B 60 LEDs/m strips, inject power every 2.5 meters (150 pixels). For 144 LEDs/m, inject every 0.5 meters (72 pixels). For 12V WS2811 nodes, you can run 5-10 meters between injection points depending on wire gauge. Always inject both 5V/12V and GND — never GND only.