Project details
Room dimensions and target light
Fixture selection and specifications
Light loss, reflectance, and daylight
Fixture layout and lighting zones
Energy and electrical planning
Lighting results
| Average spacing | — |
|---|---|
| Watts / area | — |
| Monthly energy | — |
| Annual energy | — |
| Annual cost | — |
| Estimated current | — |
| Suggested circuits | — |
| Circuit wattage | — |
| Window area | — |
LED savings comparison
| Existing annual energy | — |
|---|---|
| LED annual energy | — |
| Energy saved | — |
| Annual cost savings | — |
| Simple payback | — |
Project controls
Room-by-room project plan
0 rooms| Room | Type | Area | Target Lux | Fixtures | Load | Annual kWh | Annual Cost | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rooms added yet. | ||||||||
| Project totals | 0 | 0 W | 0 kWh | 0 | ||||
Lighting fixture schedule
| Fixture ID | Type | Qty | Watts | Lumens | CCT | CRI | Location | Zone | Notes |
|---|
How a Lighting Plan Generator Works
A lighting plan converts room dimensions and lighting goals into a practical fixture layout. The process starts with floor area, ceiling height, room use, and a target illuminance. Lux describes lumens reaching each square meter, while foot-candles describe lumens reaching each square foot. Different spaces need different light levels because visual tasks vary. A hallway can use modest ambient light, while a kitchen worktop or office desk often needs stronger task lighting.
Fixture Quantity and Light Loss
The generator estimates total lumens before selecting a fixture quantity. Real rooms rarely receive every lumen printed on a fixture label. Utilization, maintenance, light loss, reflectance, and fixture efficiency influence useful light. The calculator therefore adjusts output with practical factors. Daylight can also reduce the electric-light requirement when windows or skylights provide dependable illumination. These estimates help compare design ideas, but final projects should follow applicable electrical and building requirements.
Spacing, Energy, and Electrical Load
Fixture spacing affects visual comfort and uniformity. Even grid spacing is a useful starting point for recessed lights and ceiling panels. Beam angle, mounting height, wall offsets, furniture, and surface colors may require later adjustment. The energy section multiplies connected wattage by operating hours and days. It then estimates annual kilowatt-hours and electricity cost. The electrical section also estimates current and suggested circuit quantities. Designers can compare older fixtures against LEDs to estimate energy savings and simple payback.
Building a Complete Room Schedule
Use the room planner for multiple spaces, then add fixtures to the schedule. Give every fixture a clear ID, location, zone, color temperature, CRI, wattage, and lumen value. Separate switches and dimming zones can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary power use. Daylight-controlled zones are useful near windows when controls are appropriate. Export the finished project as CSV for spreadsheet work or PDF for sharing. Review the generated plan with project drawings before installation. A qualified professional should verify circuit loading, controls, emergency lighting, and code compliance.
Example Lighting Targets
| Space | Typical starting range | Example purpose | Common CCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | 100–300 lux | Ambient and accent | 2700K–3000K |
| Bedroom | 100–200 lux | Ambient lighting | 2700K–3000K |
| Kitchen | 300–500 lux | General and task | 3000K–4000K |
| Office | 300–500 lux | Desk and computer tasks | 3500K–5000K |
| Warehouse | 100–300 lux | General circulation | 4000K–5000K |
Formula Used
Required lumens = area × target lux ÷ combined useful-light factor.
Fixture count = required lumens ÷ lumens per fixture, rounded upward.
Annual energy = total watts × daily hours × annual operating days ÷ 1000.
Annual cost = annual energy × electricity rate.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter project details and room dimensions.
- Select a room type and target light level.
- Choose fixture specifications and practical light factors.
- Configure layout, daylight, energy, and electrical values.
- Generate the plan, then add each room and fixture.
- Download CSV or PDF when the schedule is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lux and foot-candles?
Lux measures lumens per square meter. One foot-candle is approximately 10.764 lux.
How does the tool estimate fixture quantity?
It divides adjusted required lumens by useful lumens from each selected fixture, then rounds upward.
Why are utilization and maintenance factors included?
They account for real-world conditions that reduce useful light compared with rated lamp output.
Can I plan more than one room?
Yes. Generate each room, add it to the project table, and review combined project totals.
Does daylight reduce the required electric lighting?
The tool can apply a user-defined daylight contribution. Actual daylight availability changes throughout the day and year.
Can this replace an electrical or lighting designer?
No. It is a planning and estimation tool. Final installations should be checked against drawings, codes, manufacturer data, and professional requirements.
What information is included in exports?
Exports include project details, room calculations, project totals, and fixture schedule data currently entered in the tool.