The most-used component in electronics! This 5mm diffused LED gives a soft, wide glow through its frosted lens — easy on the eyes and perfect as a status indicator. Two lead pins (anode + and cathode −), breadboard and PCB friendly. Available in red, yellow, green, blue and white. A must-have for every Arduino project.

Key Features

• 5mm diffused lens — soft, wide light output (not blinding)
• Two lead pins: anode (+) and cathode (−)
• Available in 5 colors: red, yellow, green, blue, white
• Bright, durable and reliable
• Breadboard and PCB friendly
• Perfect for DIY projects, prototyping and learning

How to Connect (Usage)

Always use a series resistor (220Ω – 1kΩ) — connecting an LED straight to 5V will burn it out. Wire it to your Arduino as follows:

Arduino Example Code (blink):

void setup() {
  pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(9, HIGH);  // LED on
  delay(500);
  digitalWrite(9, LOW);   // LED off
  delay(500);
}

Find more basic building blocks in our ICs & Components collection under Shop categories.

Applications

• Status and power indicators for Arduino Projects
• PCB prototyping and breadboard circuits
• STEM learning and school electronics projects
• Robotics Projects — signal lights and indicators; see our Robotics parts
• DIY electronics and hobby builds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which leg is positive?
A: The longer leg is the anode (+). The shorter leg is the cathode (−); you can also spot the flat edge on the lens rim, which marks the cathode side.

Q: Do I really need a resistor?
A: Yes — always put a 220Ω to 1kΩ resistor in series when powering from 5V. Without one, the LED draws too much current and burns out in seconds.

Q: What voltage does the LED need?
A: Roughly 2V for red/yellow and about 3V for green/blue/white — the series resistor drops the rest from your 5V supply, so you don’t need to match it exactly.

Q: What colors are available?
A: Red, yellow, green, blue and white.

Q: What is the difference between diffused and clear LEDs?
A: The diffused (frosted) lens spreads light softly and evenly — easier on the eyes and better for indicators. Clear LEDs focus light into a tight, bright beam.

Q: Where can I buy 5mm LEDs in Pakistan?
A: Right here — QKZee Technologies stocks them at our Hall Road, Lahore shop with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan.