Q. Do you need to use a resistor with these leds ?
A. Thanks for your enqury. For all LEDs the Vf figure is the important voltage, a resistor is only required if the supply voltage exceeds this in order to “lose” the excess voltage. To calculate a resistor value use the formula R (resistor) = Vs (supply)-Vf (led) divided by the current required (usually approx 80% of Imax) in this case use 20mA. The resistor power rating will depend on the amount of energy it is required to disperse, the higher the voltage the higher the power value – Voltage (across resistor) X Current.