Light bulb comparison

BR30vsBR40

Same lamp family, different diameter

Reviewed August 12, 2026
The short answer

BR40 is wider and usually brighter. It may not fit a shallow or narrow recessed can designed around BR30.

SpecificationBR30BR40
Nominal diameter3.75 in5 in
Typical can5–6 in6 in
Light outputModerateUsually higher
Common baseE26E26
Before you substitute one for the other

Matching the E26 base does not guarantee the larger BR40 envelope will physically fit.