Color Temperature Chooser Calculator

Pick a practical Kelvin setting for healthier growth. Compare crop stages, daylight, and fixtures. Tune light comfort quickly for daily plant care.

Calculator Inputs

Guides a practical Kelvin target.
Cooler for starts; warmer for bloom.
Affects perceived color balance.
Balances the room look and visibility.
Nudges the final Kelvin target.
Dense canopies often feel better in neutral.
Adjusts for comfort or speed.
Used for DLI when PPFD is entered.
Enter meter reading to estimate daily light.
With PPFD, estimates total PPF needed.
Reset

Example Data Table

Typical outcomes for common indoor gardening setups.

Plant typeStageAmbientFixturePreferenceRecommended (K)Range (K)
Leafy greensSeedling/cloneMediumFluorescent/T5Cool look60005500–6500
HerbsVegetative growthHighFull-spectrum LEDBalanced52004800–5600
Fruiting cropsFloweringLowHPS (warm)Warm look33002900–3750
HouseplantsMixed stagesMediumWhite LED panelBalanced47004300–5100

Formula Used

A weighted index (0–1) is built from your inputs, then mapped into a Kelvin target and range.

1) Weighted index
index = 0.28·stage + 0.18·plant + 0.12·ambient + 0.12·fixture + 0.16·preference + 0.08·canopy + 0.06·goal
2) Kelvin mapping
kelvin = 2700 + index · (6500 − 2700)
3) Optional estimates
DLI = PPFD · photoperiod(seconds) ÷ 1,000,000
PPF = PPFD · area(m²)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select plant type and growth stage.
  2. Choose fixture type and ambient daylight.
  3. Set preference, canopy density, and goal.
  4. Enter photoperiod; add PPFD if available.
  5. Press Submit to view results above the form.
  6. Download CSV or PDF for quick recordkeeping.
Quick guidance
  • Seedlings: often 5000–6500 K.
  • Vegetative: often 4500–6000 K.
  • Flowering: often 2700–4000 K.
  • Use the range before big changes.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.