LED light wattage question

[southernsmoke]

I have a 4x4x61/2 tent growing 3 plants, using led lighting. What wattage do I need to be successful?

[furrysparkle]

I’ve heard 50 true watts per sq ft. So 4x4=16 sq ft= 800 true watts.

[furrysparkle]

Currently though I’m using a 390w bestva led and it’s doing pretty well in my 4x4, however I can see that some more light would help bulk up my flower

[DrPhoton]

Yea 30-50w is a good rule of thumb. 50w being the absolute max. With 40 being more ideal.

[gbauto]

For me, the answer is it depends.
How efficient the light source is at converting watts of electricity into photons of useable light for the plants make a huge difference.
I think a more accurate spec would be how many photons(PPF) the fixture produces. Then you can make a rough calculation on whether it can give you enough intensity or density(PPFD) to make your plants thrive.
DrPhoton is right on with a power suggestion. 50w/sq ft for generic led fixtures and 30w/sq ft for current tech leds.

[southernsmoke]

How many plants in your 4x4?