How many lights do you need for your Christmas tree?
Find out how many metres of lights and how many light points you need for 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 cm Christmas trees. Check the reference table or use the calculator for a personalised estimate.
Date
15.07.2026
Reading time
8 min
How many lights do you need to decorate a Christmas tree? There is no one-size-fits-all number: two trees of the same height may require very different numbers of lights depending on the diameter of the base, their shape and the density of their foliage.
To obtain a reliable estimate, the main factors to consider are the height and diameter of the tree, the distance between each turn of the string and the spacing between the lights. It is also important to distinguish between the number of LEDs and the total length of the string: a string with many closely spaced LEDs is not necessarily longer than one with fewer lights.
The table provides some guidelines for trees measuring 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 centimetres. For a more accurate result, enter your tree’s measurements into our calculator to get a personalised estimate of the required length of string lights in metres and number of lights.
How many lights and how many metres do you need for your tree?
The number of lights you need depends not only on the height of the tree, but also on its width and the density you want to achieve. A slim tree requires a shorter string of lights than a wider tree of the same height.
The table provides a quick estimate for the most common Christmas tree sizes, decorated with a string of lights arranged in a spiral. We have based our calculations on cone-shaped trees, lights spaced approximately 10 cm apart and two different levels of coverage:
- Balanced effect: loops spaced approximately 12 cm apart, for even lighting that is not too dense.
- Full effect: loops spaced approximately 8 cm apart, for a brighter, more immersive display.
| Height | Approximate diameter | Balanced effect Turns every 12 cm | Rich effect Turns every 8 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 cm | 60 cm | 10 m approx. 95 lights | 15 m approx. 141 lights |
| 150 cm | 80 cm | 16 m approx. 157 lights | 24 m approx. 236 lights |
| 180 cm | 90 cm | 21 m approx. 212 lights | 32 m approx. 318 lights |
| 210 cm | 110 cm | 30 m approx. 303 lights | 45 m approx. 454 lights |
| 240 cm | 130 cm | 41 m approx. 409 lights | 61 m approx. 613 lights |
How to take measurements for the calculator
Measure the height of only the section you want to illuminate, from the base of the foliage to the tip, without including the stand or any section of the trunk that will remain uncovered. Then measure the diameter at the widest point, from one end of the branches to the other.
For a slim tree, always use the actual diameter rather than relying on the standard measurements in the table. If the foliage is natural or irregular, use its maximum width: the result will be a conservative estimate that you can adjust during installation.
Finally, in the configurator, set the spacing between the lights to match one of the string lights currently available in the catalogue.
How many lights do you need for your tree?
Enter the height, diameter, spacing between wraps and spacing between light points. The calculator will estimate the string length, number of wraps and number of light points required.
The spacing between lights changes the number of LEDs
Two string lights of the same length can have very different numbers of LEDs. This is determined by the spacing, meaning the distance between one light and the next along the cable.
For example, a 20-metre illuminated section may have approximately:
| Spacing | Lights per metre | Lights over 20 m |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | approx. 100 | approx. 2.000 |
| 2 cm | approx. 50 | approx. 1.000 |
| 4 cm | approx. 25 | approx. 500 |
| 5 cm | approx. 20 | approx. 400 |
| 10 cm | approx. 10 | approx. 200 |
| 16 cm | approx. 6,25 | approx. 125 |
This means that the length needed to wrap around the tree and the number of LEDs are not the same thing. First, calculate the number of metres required based on the tree's shape and size; then choose the light density based on the available spacing.
Which spacing should you choose?
There is therefore no single best spacing: the choice depends on the desired effect, the density of the foliage and the distance from which the tree will be viewed.
From theoretical calculations to available products
The configurator can provide an estimate using custom spacing, but before purchasing, the result must be compared with the sizes actually available in the catalogue.
For example, if the calculation uses 6 cm spacing, but the string lights suitable for the project are available with LEDs every 5 or 7 cm, you will need to repeat the estimate using one of these values and choose the result that best matches the desired effect.
It is therefore important to check the following on each product page:
- the illuminated length, excluding the power cord;
- the spacing between the light points;
- whether the string lights can be extended and the maximum connectable length;
- compatibility with power supplies, extension cables and accessories from the same range.
Once you have identified the required length and the most suitable spacing, compare the string lights available in the catalogue and choose the model that matches the result obtained.
The shape of the tree and the installation method affect the amount needed
The estimates shown in the table and calculator refer to a conical tree decorated by wrapping the string lights around the foliage in a spiral. If the shape of the tree or the way the lights are arranged changes, the required length may also vary.
- Traditional Conical Tree: its height, diameter and the spacing between each turn allow the calculator to provide a reliable estimate.
- Slim tree: for the same height, it generally requires fewer metres because each turn of the string lights has a shorter circumference. Always enter the actual diameter rather than automatically using the standard value in the table.
- Very wide tree: it requires longer string lights than a standard tree of the same height. Here too, the diameter is crucial.
- Natural tree or tree with irregular foliage: the calculation provides an initial reference, but protruding branches, less dense areas and variations in shape may alter the path of the string lights. Measure the maximum width and allow for a small margin during installation.
- Branch-by-branch installation: this requires considerably longer string lights than the spiral method, as the lights follow each individual branch from the inside out towards the tips. The values in the table therefore cannot be applied directly to this method.
- Vertical installation: the amount required depends on the number of drops and their length. In this case, the spacing between turns is not considered; what matters is how many lines of lights need to run from the top to the base.
On sparse trees or trees with few support points, it may be difficult to keep spirally arranged string lights evenly spaced. On broad-leaved plants, however, adding more metres of lights does not always improve the result, as many LEDs may remain hidden by the foliage. In these cases, it may be more effective to add Figure Lights or hanging decorations among the branches.
Want to know how to arrange the lights?
This guide will help you determine how many metres of lights and how many light points you need. To choose the most suitable installation method, you can also read:
- our guide on how to put lights on an indoor Christmas tree;
- our guide on how to light an outdoor Christmas tree.
Frequently asked questions about how many lights to put on your tree
The following estimates refer to standard-sized Conical Trees decorated in a spiral pattern, with light points spaced approximately 10 cm apart. The first figure provides a balanced effect, while the second provides fuller coverage.
For a 120 cm tall Conical Tree with a base diameter of approximately 60 cm, the calculator estimates 10 metres and approximately 95 light points for a balanced effect, with loops spaced 12 cm apart. For fuller coverage, with loops every 8 cm, the estimate is 15 metres and approximately 141 light points. Both results refer to a spiral arrangement with light points every 10 cm. If your tree has a different width, enter its actual measurements in the calculator.
For a tree that is 150 cm tall and approximately 80 cm wide, you will need around 16 metres and 157 light points for a balanced effect. For a fuller decoration, you can use up to approximately 24 metres and 236 light points.
For a 180 cm tree with a diameter of approximately 90 cm, allow for around 21 metres and 212 light points. For fuller coverage, you can use approximately 32 metres and 318 light points.
For a tree that is 210 cm tall and approximately 110 cm wide, you will need around 30 metres of lights, equivalent to approximately 303 light points spaced 10 cm apart. For a fuller effect, you can use up to approximately 45 metres and 454 light points.
For a 240 cm tree with an approximate diameter of 130 cm, allow for around 41 metres and 409 light points. Fuller coverage may require approximately 61 metres and 613 light points.
Start with the length of the illuminated section needed to cover the tree. The number of LEDs will then depend on the spacing of the chosen string: for the same length, a string with lights every 2 cm will have many more light points than one with 10 cm spacing.
Choose the next available length. A little extra length allows you to adapt the string to the actual shape of the tree without pulling the cable taut or leaving poorly lit areas.
Measure the height of the section to be illuminated and the actual diameter of the tree, then enter these values in the calculator. Do not use the standard diameter shown in the table, as a slim tree generally requires fewer metres than a traditional tree of the same height.
No. The quantities shown refer to a spiral arrangement. Decorating branch by branch normally requires many more metres, while for a vertical arrangement the length depends on the number and length of the individual drops.
