How many Christmas lights do I need for my tree?
Short answer
About 100 lights per foot of tree for a classic look: 700 for a 7-foot tree, or seven 100-light strands. Use 50 per foot for a light touch or 150 for a full, bright tree.
Work it out for your numbers
Lights needed
700 lights
- Strands to buy
- 7 100-light strands
- Power draw
- 42 watts
- Cost for the season
- $1.36
- Cost per day
- $0.05
Lights by tree height
| Tree height | Light touch | Classic | Full and bright |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 200 | 400 | 600 |
| 5 ft | 250 | 500 | 750 |
| 6 ft | 300 | 600 | 900 |
| 6.5 ft | 325 | 650 | 975 |
| 7 ft | 350 | 700 | 1,050 |
| 7.5 ft | 375 | 750 | 1,125 |
| 8 ft | 400 | 800 | 1,200 |
| 9 ft | 450 | 900 | 1,350 |
Wide, full trees take more than slim ones of the same height. If yours is a slim or pencil tree, the light-touch column is often enough.
What they cost to run
Very little with LEDs. 700 LED mini lights on for 6 hours a day for 30 days cost about $1.36 for the season at 18 cents per kWh. The same number of old incandescent mini lights cost about $9.07.
Tips
- Check the box for how many strands you can safely connect end to end. LED sets usually allow far more than incandescent ones.
- Wrapping the tree in vertical sections, base to tip, puts lights deep in the branches and makes them easier to take down than one long spiral.
- Buy one extra strand. Some will be dead next year, and matching an older set later is hard.
- Use outdoor-rated lights and cords outside, and a timer so they’re not on all night.
Common questions
How many lights for a 7 foot tree?
About 700 for a classic look, or seven 100-light strands. 350 for a light touch, 1,050 for a full, bright tree.
How many lights for a 6 foot tree?
About 600 for a classic look.
How much does it cost to run Christmas lights?
About $1.36 for a season of 700 LED lights, 6 hours a day for 30 days at 18 cents per kWh.
Updated October 29, 2026. Figures are estimates for planning. Check product labels and local codes before you buy or build.