Learn how to use Light Wayz professional lighting calculator to achieve perfect illumination for any space. Our easy-to-follow guide will help you calculate the exact lighting requirements for your project.
Follow these four simple steps to calculate perfect lighting for any room or space. No technical expertise required!
Start by measuring the length and width of your room in feet or meters. Our calculator works with both imperial and metric units. Accurate measurements ensure precise lighting calculations.
Choose the type of room or space from our extensive list. Each room type has pre-set illumination requirements based on industry standards (lux/lumens per square meter).
Customize your calculation by adjusting ceiling height, light color temperature, and fixture efficiency. These parameters help fine-tune the results for your specific needs.
Receive instant calculations showing total lumens required, number of fixtures needed, and recommended fixture spacing. Download or print your results for reference.
Understanding the science behind perfect lighting
Our lighting calculator uses industry-standard formulas to determine the optimal lighting requirements for any space. Here's how the calculation works:
This fundamental formula calculates the total luminous flux needed for a space. The illuminance value varies based on room type and purpose.
Length × Width of the room in square meters or square feet. This forms the base for all calculations.
Amount of light per unit area. Different activities require different illuminance levels (measured in lux).
Accounts for light loss due to room reflectance, fixture efficiency, and maintenance conditions.
Compensates for gradual light output reduction due to aging, dirt accumulation, and lamp depreciation.
Where: UF = Utilization Factor, MF = Maintenance Factor. Our calculator automatically applies optimal UF and MF values based on your room parameters.
Recommended illuminance levels for different spaces
Different rooms require different lighting levels. Here are the industry-standard illuminance recommendations we use in our calculations:
| Room Type | Illuminance (Lux) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 150-300 lux | General relaxation, reading, entertainment |
| Kitchen | 300-500 lux | Food preparation, cooking, cleaning |
| Home Office | 500-750 lux | Computer work, reading documents |
| Bathroom | 200-400 lux | Grooming, showering, makeup application |
| Bedroom | 100-200 lux | Sleeping, dressing, relaxation |
| Commercial Office | 500-1000 lux | Detailed work, meetings, presentations |
Use layered lighting (ambient, task, accent) for best results. Our calculator helps you determine the ambient layer requirements, which should be supplemented with task and accent lighting as needed.
Now that you understand how it works, try our professional lighting calculator. Get precise calculations for any space in seconds, completely free!
Launch Lighting Calculator