Design even light for cooking, prep, and cleaning. Choose fixtures, set goals, see a plan. Adjust spacing until your layout feels balanced everywhere easily.
| Room (m) | Ceiling (m) | Target (lux) | Fixture (lm) | CU | LLF | Suggested grid | Spacing (m) | Achieved (lux) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 × 3.0 | 2.7 | 300 | 800 | 0.60 | 0.80 | 3 × 2 | ~1.33 × 1.50 | ~307 |
| 5.0 × 3.5 | 2.9 | 350 | 900 | 0.65 | 0.85 | 4 × 2 | ~1.25 × 1.75 | ~379 |
| 3.2 × 2.6 | 2.4 | 250 | 700 | 0.55 | 0.80 | 2 × 2 | ~1.60 × 1.30 | ~236 |
This calculator uses the lumen method to estimate fixture count:
The layout search selects a grid that meets the required count while keeping spacing close and balanced.
Good kitchen plans separate ambient and task zones. General circulation often performs well around 200–300 lux, while prep counters, cooktops, and sinks benefit from 300–500 lux. Use achieved lux to confirm overall brightness, then allocate suggested task fixtures to the busiest surfaces. If finishes are dark or ceilings are high, raise target lux or fixture lumens.
The lumen method estimates delivered light as fixture lumens multiplied by CU and LLF. CU reflects how geometry and surface reflectance guide light to the workplane. LLF covers lamp aging, dirt, and optical losses. When uncertain, select conservative values, then refine after choosing products. Higher CU or LLF reduces required fixtures, but avoid optimistic inputs.
Uniformity depends on spacing relative to mounting height above the workplane. The calculator converts ceiling height and workplane height into mounting height, then applies a spacing factor to set a spacing limit. Keep spacing near or below that limit to reduce scalloping and shadows. When cabinets block light, tighten spacing along the counter run and move the first row closer to the wall.
Beam angle influences how quickly light blends. Narrow beams concentrate light, creating bright spots and deeper shadows. Wider beams produce smoother coverage, especially with lower ceilings. If beam diameter is smaller than fixture spacing, increase beam angle, add diffusers, or reduce spacing. For islands, combine a wide-beam grid with dedicated task pendants.
A practical grid balances room proportions, spacing limits, and required fixture count. Use edge offsets as a starting point, then shift rows to align with the sink, range, and island. If you prefer linear rows, choose the row preference and review spacing. Export CSV or PDF to compare scenarios by lux, spacing, and total fixtures. For dimming and color quality, match fixtures to a consistent color temperature and high CRI, and verify compatibility with your chosen dimmer switch.
Use 200–300 lux for general lighting, then aim 300–500 lux on countertops, sink, and cooktop. If surfaces are dark or tasks are detailed, increase the target or add task fixtures.
If you do not know them, start with CU 0.55–0.70 and LLF 0.75–0.90. Conservative values reduce the risk of under-lighting. Fine-tune after you select a specific fixture and room finishes.
A grid spreads light more evenly and reduces shadows across walk paths. Rows can work when you want alignment with counters or islands, but they may leave darker zones unless spacing is tightened.
A common starting point is half the fixture spacing from each wall. This matches the calculator’s edge offsets. Move rows closer to cabinet fronts when counters are deep or upper cabinets block light.
It estimates how wide one fixture’s light spreads on the workplane. If the beam diameter is much smaller than fixture spacing, blending may be poor. Consider wider optics, diffusers, or reduced spacing.
Yes. Use the CSV export for spreadsheet comparison and the PDF export for sharing with installers. Save multiple runs to compare achieved lux, spacing, and total fixture counts across products.
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.