LED Lighting Calculator

The lumens per square foot needed depends on the room type and use. Bedrooms typically need 10-20 lumens/sq ft, living rooms 10-20, kitchens 30-40, and task areas up to 50 lumens/sq ft for detailed work.

Calculate room area (length × width), determine required lumens per square foot based on room type, multiply area by lumens/sq ft for total lumens needed, then divide by your bulb's lumen output to find number of fixtures needed.

Lumens measure the total light output from a source, while lux measures how much light falls on a surface (lumens per square meter). Lumens indicate brightness of the bulb, lux indicates brightness on your work surface.

Bedrooms work best with layered lighting: ambient lighting at 10-20 lumens/sq ft, task lighting for reading at 30-50 lumens/sq ft, and accent lighting for atmosphere. Use warm color temperatures (2700K-3000K) for relaxation.

Higher ceilings require more lumens because light spreads over a larger area and loses intensity with distance. For ceilings over 9 feet, increase your lumen requirements by 10-20% for adequate illumination.

Yes, wall colors significantly impact lighting needs. Light-colored walls reflect more light and reduce fixture requirements, while dark walls absorb light and may require 10-15% more lumens for the same brightness level.

For a 120 sq ft room, you typically need 1,200-6,000 total lumens depending on use (10-50 lumens/sq ft). With 800-lumen LED bulbs, this means 2-8 fixtures depending on the room's purpose and your brightness preference.

This calculator is designed for indoor spaces. Outdoor lighting has different requirements due to weather, safety needs, and larger areas. For outdoor spaces, consult specific outdoor lighting guidelines or professional lighting designers.