Can You Cut
LED Strip Lights?
Yes. LED strip lights can be cut to length but only at the marked cut points. Cutting between points damages the strip permanently. Reconnecting offcuts is possible with solder or strip connectors. The basics are easy once you know the cut-point pattern.
LED strip lights can be cut to length at marked cut points spaced every 50mm to 100mm along the strip. Each cut point is identified by a scissor icon, dotted line or copper contact pads. Cutting elsewhere severs internal traces plus damages the strip permanently. After cutting, the live section continues working from the original power supply. The cut-off section can be reconnected at any other power point using solder or solderless strip-to-wire clip connectors. 12V, 24V, COB plus RGB strips all use the same cut-point principle but the cut-point spacing varies by strip type.
The figures that matter
Cut spacing
Standard distance between cut points on most UK LED strips. Varies by voltage plus chip density.
Per segment
Cut points sit between segments of 3 LEDs (12V strips) or 6 LEDs (24V strips) typically.
Cut marker
Most strips show a small scissor icon at each valid cut point. Some use dotted lines or copper pads.
Common voltages
UK domestic LED strips. 12V is older standard. 24V handles longer runs better.
Four things to consider
Only cut at marked points
Cutting elsewhere severs internal copper traces plus permanently damages the segment. No way to repair.
Live section keeps working
After cutting, the connected section runs normally from the original power supply. No damage from the cut itself.
Offcuts can be reused
Cut-off pieces can power up separately by soldering wires to the contact pads or using strip connectors.
Match power supply to length
Total wattage of the connected strip length must stay under the power supply rating. Cutting reduces load proportionally.
How LED strip cutting actually works
LED strip lights are flexible PCBs (printed circuit boards) with rows of LEDs plus resistors arranged in repeating segments. Each segment is electrically independent within the strip. The cut points are deliberately designed gaps where you can sever the strip without damaging the segments either side. Cutting between cut points severs internal traces plus damages the segments on both sides of the cut.
Where cut points are marked. Most UK LED strips show one of three cut-point markings:
- Scissor icon. Small scissor or cutting symbol printed on the strip every 50mm to 100mm.
- Dotted line. Faint dotted line across the strip width at each cut point.
- Copper contact pads. Two or four exposed copper pads at each cut point where the strip can be cut plus reconnected.
Cut spacing varies by strip type:
- 12V single-colour LED strips. Cut points typically every 50mm. Each segment contains 3 LEDs plus a resistor.
- 24V single-colour LED strips. Cut points typically every 100mm. Each segment contains 6 LEDs plus a resistor.
- RGB strips (3 channels: red, green, blue). Cut points every 75mm to 100mm. Each cut point has 4 contact pads instead of 2.
- RGBW or RGBCCT strips (4 to 5 channels). Cut points every 100mm to 150mm. 5 to 6 contact pads at each cut point.
- COB (chip-on-board) strips. Cut points typically every 25mm to 50mm. Continuous LED line with no visible chip spacing.
- Addressable WS2812 or SK6812 strips. Cut points after every individual LED (every 16mm to 33mm). Each LED is independently addressable.
How to cut LED strips properly:
- Disconnect from power before cutting. Strips are typically 12V or 24V DC plus rarely dangerous to touch but cutting under power can short the strip.
- Use sharp scissors or a craft knife. Cut cleanly across the marked line. Avoid jagged cuts that leave copper exposed unevenly.
- Cut on the line, not before or after. Cutting even 5mm off-position can sever a segment trace.
- The remaining connected section runs normally from the original power supply. The cut-off section is now an offcut.
Reconnecting offcuts. Cut-off LED strip pieces can be powered separately. Two methods:
- Solder method. Solder wires directly to the copper contact pads at the cut end. Most reliable plus invisible. Requires basic soldering skill plus a 25 to 40W soldering iron.
- Strip connector method. Solderless clip-on connectors clamp onto the strip end plus provide wire terminals. Easier for non-solderers but bulkier plus less reliable over time. Available for single-colour, RGB plus RGBW strips at £2 to £5 each.
Power supply considerations. The total wattage of the connected strip length must stay within the power supply rating. A 60W supply can handle up to 5 metres of typical 12W-per-metre strip. Cutting the strip shorter does not damage the supply but the supply being undersized for the connected length will cause dimming or shutoff.
Real number ranges
What LED strip cutting plus reconnecting costs
Step-by-step: cutting plus reusing LED strip
Find the cut points
Look for scissor icons, dotted lines or copper contact pads spaced every 50mm to 100mm along the strip.
Disconnect from power
Switch off the LED driver at the wall or unplug it. Cutting under power can short the strip even at low voltage.
Cut cleanly on the line
Use sharp scissors or craft knife. Cut exactly on the marked line. Leaves clean copper pads on both sides.
Reconnect or finish
Live section: reconnect to power, runs normally. Offcut: solder wires or fit a strip connector to power separately.
Four common LED strip cutting mistakes
Cutting between marked points
Severs internal copper traces. Damages segments on both sides of the cut. Cannot be repaired.
Cutting under power
Even at 12V or 24V DC the strip can short briefly during cutting. Always disconnect first.
Wrong polarity on reconnection
Strip connectors plus solder joints must respect plus and minus. Reverse polarity can damage the LEDs immediately.
Undersized power supply for length
Connected strip length total wattage must stay under the driver rating. Calculate before installing or cutting.
Compare the options
Solder method (preferred)
- ✓Permanent reliable joint. No movement, no contact corrosion.
- ✓Invisible. Heat-shrink the joint plus it disappears.
- ✓£15 to £40 for soldering iron. One-time cost.
- ✓Best for permanent installs. Cabinet lighting, kitchen plinth, etc.
- ✓Requires basic skill. Few minutes of practice on offcuts first.
Strip connector method
- •Solderless clip-on. No soldering iron needed.
- •Bulkier. Connector adds 15 to 25mm to the joint.
- •£2 to £5 each. Recurring cost per joint.
- •Best for prototyping or temporary setups.
- •Reliability decreases over time. Contact pads can corrode.
Strip cutting is one of several practical LED installation skills UK homeowners ask about. Our full LED Lights hub covers safety, troubleshooting, installation plus selection across LED bulbs plus strip lighting.
Visit the LED Lights Hub
This article is one chapter inside our complete LED Lights knowledge base. The hub covers safety, troubleshooting, installation plus selection across LED bulbs, strips plus tape lights for UK homes.
More on LED lights
Three further LED strip plus tape articles in the same hub group cover related questions. The first is how do you connect led strip lights for the connection question specifically. The second covers how to connect led tape lights for tape-specific connection. The third is how do led lights work for the underlying technology.