How A19 and BR30 Light Bulbs Compare
A19 is the familiar household bulb shape. BR30 is a wider flood bulb made for recessed cans and directional downlights.
Side-by-side shape compare
A19
Standard bulb
Table lamps, floor lamps, domes, and general fixtures
Best for: general lamps, shades, domes, and all-purpose fixtures.
BR30
Indoor flood
Recessed cans and wide downward light
Best for: recessed cans, downlights, and broad pools of downward light.
Use A19 when the bulb is general-purpose
- Table lamps, floor lamps, enclosed domes, and simple pendants usually start with A19.
- A19 spreads light in many directions, which works well inside shades and globes.
- Most A19 bulbs use an E26 base in the US.
Use BR30 when the fixture is a recessed can
- Recessed ceiling cans and some track heads often use BR30.
- BR30 bulbs throw a broad pool of light downward.
- For larger cans, BR40 may fit better than BR30.
What to check before shopping
Match the old bulb shape if it worked well, then confirm base, brightness, color temperature, and whether the fixture or switch needs dimming. You can compare more common light bulb shapes or use the Light Bulb Finder to choose the right bulb.