How Many LED Panel Lights Do I Need?
To determine how many Flat LED panel lights you need, first calculate the total lumens required by multiplying the room's square footage by the appropriate lumens-per-square-foot recommendation for the room's function. Then, divide the total lumens needed by the lumens output of your chosen LED panel light to get the number of fixtures required.
1. Calculate total lumens needed
Find your room's square footage: Multiply the room's length by its width.
Determine the required lumens per square foot: This depends on the room's purpose.
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General ambient lighting: 20-30 lumens per square foot.
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Task lighting (e.g., office, reading): 50-100 lumens per square foot.
- Fine tasks (e.g., woodworking): 75-100+ lumens per square foot.
Multiply: Room square footage x desired lumens per square foot = total lumens needed.
Example: For a 100 sq ft living room needing general lighting (20 lumens/sq ft), you'd need 2,000 total lumens (100 sq ft x 20 lumens/sq ft).
2. Determine the number of fixtures
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Find the lumen output of your light: Check the packaging or specifications of your chosen LED panel light.
- Divide: Total lumens needed / Lumens per fixture = number of fixtures.
Example: If each LED panel provides 1,000 lumens and you need 2,000 total lumens, you would need 2 fixtures (2,000 lumens / 1,000 lumens/fixture).
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Room Function: The activity performed in a room dictates the brightness level needed.
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Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings may require more lumens or different types of lights.
Light Spacing: Space lights to avoid dark or overly bright spots for uniform illumination.
- Efficiency Factor: Some light is lost due to fixture placement, so use an efficiency factor (e.g., 0.9) for a more accurate calculation.
Quick Tips for LED Lighting Success
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Select the Correct Colour Temperature
- Warm White 2700K-3000K: Cozy and welcoming, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Cool White 4000K-5000K: Bright and crisp, used in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Daylight 5000K-6500K: Useful for task rooms like the office.
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Take into Consideration Natural Light
- If the room receives so much daylight, you could reduce the use of LED lights while in the room.
