Lighting Calculator
Calculate required lumens, fixtures, and wattage for optimal room lighting based on room dimensions and usage type.
About This Calculator
How to Use
- Enter your room dimensions (length × width)
- Select the room type to determine required light levels
- Enter your bulb specifications (lumens and wattage)
- Click Calculate to see fixtures needed and energy costs
📚 Understanding Lighting Levels
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Higher lumens = brighter light. Different activities require different lighting levels for comfort and functionality.
Foot-candles (fc) measure light intensity at a surface. 1 foot-candle = 1 lumen per square foot. Professional lighting designers use foot-candles, but lumens per sq ft is easier for homeowners.
Layered lighting combines ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative) lighting for optimal results.
🧮 Lighting Formulas
Lumens = Room Area (sq ft) × Lumens per sq ftFixtures = Total Lumens ÷ Lumens per Bulb📊 Recommended Lumens by Room
| Room Type | Lumens/sq ft | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 10-20 | Relaxation |
| Living Room | 20-30 | General activities |
| Kitchen | 50-70 | Food prep |
| Office | 60-80 | Computer/reading |
| Workshop | 80-100 | Detail work |
💡 LED vs Traditional Bulbs
| Lumens | LED (W) | CFL (W) | Incandescent (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 4-5 | 8-12 | 40 |
| 800 | 8-12 | 13-18 | 60 |
| 1100 | 9-13 | 18-22 | 75 |
| 1600 | 16-20 | 23-30 | 100 |
❓ FAQ
How do I choose the right color temperature?
Warm white (2700-3000K) for bedrooms/living rooms. Neutral white (3500-4000K) for kitchens/bathrooms. Cool white (5000-6500K) for offices/garages.
Should I use fewer bright bulbs or more dim ones?
More fixtures with lower output provides more even lighting and reduces shadows. Use multiple sources positioned around the room rather than one central fixture for best results.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this
This calculator uses standard formulas and provides accurate results for typical use cases. For professional or critical applications, always verify results with certified professionals or official sources.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, this Lighting Calculator • Architecture • Calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. You can use it as many times as needed without any limitations.
Can I use this on mobile devices?
Absolutely! This calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
How do I interpret the results?
The results are displayed clearly with appropriate units. Refer to the "About This Calculator" section for detailed information.