Detailed PAR Lamp Guide

PAR56 vs. PAR64, BR vs. MR, and LED Retrofit Options

Choosing the Right Type for Your Lighting Needs

PAR lamps are directional lights commonly used in stage lighting, churches, auditoriums, retail displays, restaurants, commercial spaces, architectural lighting, and event venues. This guide explains what PAR means, how PAR56 and PAR64 lamps compare, how PAR differs from BR and MR bulbs, and when an LED retrofit lamp is the right choice for an existing PAR can fixture.

If you already have PAR56 or PAR64 cans, an LED retrofit lamp can upgrade performance without replacing the full fixture.

General Overview

Use this quick table to understand the most common lamp types and which retrofit option fits existing PAR fixtures.

What Is a PAR Light?

PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector. PAR lamps are designed to control and direct light, which makes them useful in stage, display, architectural, commercial, and venue lighting. PAR lights are commonly used in PAR can fixtures when you need focused or controlled light output.

What Does PAR Mean in Lighting?

In lighting, PAR refers to the lamp shape and reflector design. The number after PAR helps identify the lamp size. For example, PAR56 and PAR64 lamps are commonly used in stage, theater, church, auditorium, and commercial lighting fixtures.

PAR56 vs. PAR64

PAR56 and PAR64 lamps serve similar purposes but differ in size and output. PAR56 lamps are smaller and often used in low- to medium-output applications. PAR64 lamps are larger and typically used when you need more output, longer throw, or broader stage coverage.

PAR56: Each current PAR56 Lotus lamp includes selectable 40W and 60W settings. Choose the beam angle and connector version when ordering.

PAR64: Each current PAR64 Lotus lamp includes selectable 100W and 150W settings. Choose the beam angle and connector version when ordering.

PAR vs. BR vs. MR Bulbs

PAR, BR, and MR bulbs are all directional lighting types, but they are not the same. PAR lamps are commonly used when you need stronger beam control. BR bulbs typically provide wider, softer flood lighting for general spaces. MR bulbs are smaller directional lamps often used for accent, display, and track lighting.

PAR Beam Angles Explained

Beam angle helps determine how tightly or widely the lamp spreads light. Narrower beam angles create more focused light, while wider beam angles create broader coverage.

When to Choose a PAR56 LED Retrofit Lamp

Choose PAR56 when you are upgrading an existing PAR56 can fixture or replacing a lower-wattage halogen PAR lamp. PAR56 LED retrofit lamps are commonly used in churches, displays, platforms, retail spaces, restaurants, and smaller commercial applications.

When to Choose a PAR64 LED Retrofit Lamp

Choose PAR64 when you are upgrading a larger existing PAR can fixture or replacing a higher-wattage halogen PAR lamp. PAR64 LED retrofit lamps are commonly used in theaters, auditoriums, churches, large stages, schools, event venues, and long-throw lighting applications.

For stage-specific guidance, visit our PAR64 LED stage lights page.

When Is an LED Retrofit Lamp the Right Choice?

If your existing PAR cans are still in good condition, a retrofit can be a cost-effective way to modernize the lighting system. LED retrofit lamps can help reduce energy use, lower heat output, extend lamp life, and preserve the fixture layout your space already uses.

For more retrofit guidance, review our PAR can LED retrofit kits and PAR halogen replacement guide.

Ready To Retrofit?

The right PAR lamp depends on your fixture size, beam angle needs, output requirements, and application. PAR56 is often the better fit for smaller cans and lower-to-medium output projects, while PAR64 is better for higher-output lighting, larger venues, long throws, and stage applications.

Shop PAR LED lamps online or contact PAR LED Lights for help choosing the right retrofit option for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions