Color Temperature Calculator

The Kelvin scale measures color temperature of light sources. Lower values (2000-3000K) appear warm/orange, while higher values (5000-7000K) appear cool/blue. Standard tungsten bulbs are around 2700K, while daylight is approximately 5600K.

Check the manufacturer's specifications, use a color temperature meter, or compare visually to known standards. Tungsten bulbs are typically 2700-3200K, fluorescents are 4000-6500K, and daylight varies from 5200-6500K depending on conditions.

Mired (micro reciprocal degree) shift is a unit that describes the strength of color correction filters needed. It's calculated as 1,000,000 divided by the color temperature in Kelvin. Mired shifts allow for consistent color correction regardless of the starting temperature.

Match your lighting to your subject and mood. Use 2700-3200K for warm, intimate scenes, 4000-5000K for neutral indoor lighting, and 5200-6500K for daylight-balanced outdoor or professional photography.

Tungsten lights produce warm 2700-3200K light, daylight is cool 5200-6500K, and LEDs can be manufactured to produce any color temperature. Each requires different white balance settings or color correction filters for accurate color reproduction.

While possible, mixing color temperatures can create color casts and uneven lighting. It's best to use color correction filters or gels to match all light sources to the same color temperature for consistent results.

Warm temperatures (2000-3000K) create cozy, relaxing atmospheres, neutral temperatures (3500-4500K) provide comfortable task lighting, and cool temperatures (5000K+) promote alertness and focus.