Typical and maximum forward voltage and maximum current of red, green, blue, white, UV and IR LEDs.
A LED’s forward voltage (Vf) depends on its color, that is its semiconductor material: red and yellow are around 1.8–2 V, blue and white around 3.2–3.3 V. Use the typical value for the resistor and the maximum for the worst case.
| Color | Vf typ / max | Max current |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 1.85 / 2.5 V | 30 mA |
| Orange | 1.95 / 2.3 V | 25 mA |
| Yellow | 1.95 / 2.4 V | 30 mA |
| Green (classic) | 2.2 / 2.5 V | 25 mA |
| Green (pure) | 3.2 / 4 V | 30 mA |
| Blue | 3.3 / 4 V | 30 mA |
| White | 3.3 / 4 V | 30 mA |
| UV 395 nm | 3.2 / — V | 30 mA |
| IR 940 nm | 1.2 / 1.6 V | 50 mA |
Typical values from Kingbright datasheets. Green comes in two kinds: older yellowish (GaP) about 2.2 V, pure green (InGaN) about 3.2 V. The package (3 mm, 5 mm, SMD) doesn't change the voltage.
