What Is the Difference Between a Flood & Spot Light?

Beam Width

• The width of the beam distinguishes floodlights from spotlights. Projected over an 8-foot distance, a floodlight should cast a 4-foot beam, while a spotlight should cast a 2-foot beam. Spotlights typically project a 45-degree beam, while floodlights project a 120-degree beam.

Uses

• Floodlights work well to illuminate large areas and can effectively illuminate a work area or serve as security lights. Spotlights, in contrast, typically illuminate specific points like artwork and architectural details.

Considerations

• Spotlights typically appear brighter than floodlights, even with the same wattage bulbs, because they produce more highly concentrated beams of light. Consumers can purchase both floodlights and spotlights in a variety of bulb types, including incandescent, halogen and LED.