Quick Guide on Light Bulb Shapes

Have you ever wondered what type of light bulb is that or what type of light bulb do I have? Worst is when you have a light bulb to replace, but no idea how to quickly find it online or in a home improvement store. This quick guide will provide you with the bulb series that corresponds to the bulb shape.

Table of Light Bulb Series

Bulb Series	Bulb Series Acronym Description	Bulb Shape
A Series	Arbitrary Spherical	Spherical
G Series	Globe	Round
B Series	Bulge or Bullet	Oval
C Series	Candelabra or Conical	Cone
CA Series	Candle Angular	Angular
G Series	Globe	Round
R Series	Reflector	Reflector
PAR Series	Prysmatic Aluminized Reflector	Parabolic
MR Series	Multi-Faceted Reflector	Multi-Faceted
T Series	Tube or Tubular	Tube

A Series, B Series, C Series, CA Series, R Series, PAR Series, MR Series, G Series, and T Series are all types of light bulbs that are used for different applications. Here is a brief overview of each type of light bulb:

A Series – Arbitrary Spherical

A Series bulbs are traditional incandescent light bulbs that are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are commonly used in residential and commercial lighting applications. The A-Shape light bulb is widely used for general lighting purposes, such as desk lamps, ceiling fans, and closets. It was first invented by Thomas Edison in incandescent form, but modern regulations are slowly phasing it out of production—with some exceptions like antique bulbs. Halogen and LED replacements that share the same shape can be found instead. This code is composed of two variables beginning with “A” (which stands for Arbitrary) and followed by the diameter of the largest part of the bulb measured in eighths of an inch. The shape is best known as aribtrary spherical.To calculate the numerical shape, simply multiply this measurement by 8.

B Series – Bulge or Bullet

B Series bulbs are traditional incandescent light bulbs that are similar to A Series bulbs, but they have a shorter, wider shape. They are commonly used in decorative lighting applications. The B refers to their bulged or bullet shape, which is oval in nature.

C Series – Candelabra or Conical

C Series bulbs, also known as candelabra bulbs, are small, decorative light bulbs that are commonly used in strands of holiday lights or in decorative light fixtures. Some have a base size of E12, which is also known as a candelabra base. The shape is best known as conical or cone.

CA Series – Candle Angular

CA Series bulbs are similar to C Series bulbs, but they have a slightly larger base size. They are also used in decorative lighting applications.

G Series – Globe

G bulbs, also known as globe bulbs, are round, decorative light bulbs that are commonly used in strands of holiday lights or in decorative light fixtures. G bulbs are known for their versatility and are often used in a variety of lighting applications, including ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. They are also used in many different types of light fixtures, including pendant lights, chandeliers, and sconces. G bulbs are widely available and can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.

R Series – Reflector

R Series bulbs are reflector bulbs that are commonly used in track lighting and recessed lighting fixtures. They have a reflective coating on the inside of the bulb that helps to direct the light in a specific direction.

PAR Series – Prysmatic Aluminized Reflector

PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) Series bulbs are reflector bulbs that are commonly used in spotlights and floodlights. They have a parabolic-shaped reflector that helps to direct the light in a specific direction.

MR Series – Multi-Faceted Reflector

MR (multi-faceted reflector) Series bulbs are reflector bulbs that are commonly used in track lighting and recessed lighting fixtures. They have a multi-faceted reflector that helps to direct the light in a specific direction.

T Series – Tube or Tubular

T Series bulbs are traditional incandescent light bulbs that are shaped like a tube. They are commonly used in decorative lighting applications.