Reading the DotStar datasheet - power requirements I'm trying to figure out my power requirements for a strand of Adafruit DotStar LEDs - APA102 Cool White, not the RGB. I'm not sure how to interpret the datasheet.

In the middle of the product spec table on page 1, under Power Consumption, it says 0.2W (MAX: 1W).  Which would mean at 5V, MAX would be 0.2A, or 200mA.

Then on page 3 in the electrical characteristics table under the symbol/Parameter "LOL/Sink Current Voltage" it says typ. 24.5mA; max. 26.5mA.

I plan on having the strand on full brightness most of the time.

So which is it?  200mA? or 26.5mA?
You have correctly worked out:

I(A) = P(W) / V(V)

I = 0.2 / 5
I = 0.04A

MAX:
I = 1 / 5
I = 0.2A


From that it seems it will use between 40 - 200mA depending on brightness.

Sink current refers to the current required to drive the led's digital input from your MCU's digital output.



More information on current sinking