Sports Lighting Pole Spacing Calculator

Example Data Table

Formula Used

This tool uses the lumen method to estimate the total luminous flux needed for a target average illuminance.

• Area: A = L x W
• Total lumens (base): Phi = (E x A) / (UF x MF)
• Uniformity cushion: increases lumens when min/avg is low.
• Luminaires: N = ceil(Phi / lumens_per_luminaire)
• Poles: P = ceil(N / fixtures_per_pole)
• Spacing: for each active side, S = side_length / (poles_on_side - 1)

Final designs should be confirmed with fixture photometry, aiming, glare control, and verification calculations.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Choose your unit system and enter the field length and width.
2. Enter mounting height, target illuminance, and a uniformity target.
3. Fill in UF and MF based on your environment and maintenance plan.
4. Enter lumens per luminaire and fixtures per pole from your chosen product.
5. Select an arrangement that matches site constraints, then calculate.
6. Download CSV for coordination, or print to save as PDF.

Professional Notes on Sports Pole Spacing

Lighting goals and practical target levels

Sports lighting is typically specified by average horizontal illuminance and uniformity. Community training fields commonly target about 100–200 lux, while competitive play often requires 200–500 lux or more depending on the sport, level, and broadcast needs. Uniformity is frequently expressed as minimum-to-average; values near 0.50 are a workable baseline for many outdoor fields, while higher targets reduce dark zones and improve ball tracking.

Pole height, setback, and glare control

Mounting height influences both spacing and glare. Taller poles can improve distribution and reduce the number of poles, but can increase spill if optics are not controlled. A common starting setback is 0.25–0.50 times the mounting height measured from the touchline or boundary, allowing better aiming angles and safer clearances. Use shields, cut-off optics, and aiming limits to protect players, neighbors, and drivers.

Spacing-to-height ratios as an early check

Early layouts often check spacing against mounting height. Many designers begin with a spacing range of about 3H to 6H along the active sides, then refine using fixture photometry and aiming. If spacing is too large, uniformity drops and shadowing increases; if too small, costs rise and glare risk can increase without careful optics.

Using the lumen method for first-pass sizing

This calculator applies the lumen method: required lumens equal target illuminance multiplied by area, divided by utilization and maintenance factors. Typical UF values for outdoor sports can fall around 0.35–0.70 depending on optics and aiming, while MF may range around 0.70–0.90 depending on cleaning cycles and depreciation assumptions. The tool adds a modest cushion when uniformity targets are low to keep results conservative at concept stage.

Once the pole count is known, verify that each pole can physically carry the selected luminaires, brackets, and wind area. Also confirm cable routing, aiming access, and control zoning so your spacing plan remains buildable.

FAQs

1) Is this output a final lighting design?

No. It is a planning estimate. Final designs should be verified with photometric calculations, aiming diagrams, glare analysis, and local requirements for spill and obtrusive light.

2) What should I enter for lumens per luminaire?

Use the effective lumens from the selected fixture and optic, after any driver settings. If you are unsure, start with manufacturer catalog values and refine once the fixture is chosen.

3) How do UF and MF affect pole count?

Lower UF or MF increases required lumens, raising fixture and pole counts. UF reflects how well light reaches the field; MF reflects light loss over time from dirt and depreciation.

4) Which arrangement is most common for fields?

Two-sideline layouts are common where space exists along the long sides. Perimeter layouts can help uniformity but may increase poles. Endline-only layouts are used when sidelines are constrained.

5) Why does the tool show spacing-to-height ratios?

It is a quick reasonableness check. Ratios near 3H–6H often provide workable coverage before detailed photometric modeling. Outside that range, review pole height, count, and fixture optics.

6) How should I choose a setback factor?

Start around 0.35H, then adjust for safety clearances, aiming angles, and site boundaries. Larger setbacks can reduce glare into play, but may require more output or different optics.

7) Can I use foot-candles instead of lux?

Yes. Switch the unit system to imperial and enter foot-candles. The calculator converts internally to lux for computations, and uses meters for layout spacing math.