1. What is an LED Recessed Lighting Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the number of LED recessed lights needed based on desired illumination level (foot-candles), room area, and light output (lumens).

Purpose: It helps homeowners and lighting designers determine the optimal number of recessed lights for uniform illumination in a space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( FC \) — Desired illumination level (foot-candles)
• \( \text{Area} \) — Room area (square feet)
• \( \text{Lumens per Light} \) — Light output of each fixture (lumens)

Explanation: The total required lumens (FC × Area) is divided by the lumens per light to determine how many fixtures are needed.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting Calculation

Details: Correct lighting calculations ensure adequate illumination, energy efficiency, and visual comfort while avoiding over-lighting or dark spots.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired foot-candles (see reference values below), room area in square feet, and lumens per light (default 800 lm). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical FC values for different rooms?
A: Living rooms: 10-20 fc, Kitchens: 30-40 fc, Bathrooms: 70-80 fc, Offices: 30-50 fc, Hallways: 5-10 fc.

Q2: How do I find lumens per light?
A: Check the product specifications of your LED recessed lights. Standard 6" LEDs typically provide 600-900 lumens.

Q3: Should I round up the result?
A: Yes, the calculator automatically rounds up since you can't install a fraction of a light fixture.

Q4: Does this account for light loss factors?
A: No, consider multiplying the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for light loss due to fixture efficiency, room reflectance, and maintenance factors.

Q5: How do I account for different light spacing?
A: Divide the ceiling height by 2 to get maximum spacing between lights (e.g., 8 ft ceiling = lights 4 ft apart).