Lighting Calculator: How Many Lumens Do I Need?
Work out how many lumens and light fixtures a room needs, based on its size and how it is used. A living room needs less light than a kitchen, and a bathroom needs more than a bedroom.
How this calculator works
Total lumens is the room area multiplied by the lumens per square foot for the room type. These are general guidance figures: living rooms about 20 lumens per square foot, bedrooms about 15, dining rooms about 25, bathrooms about 30, and kitchens and task areas about 30 to 40. One standard 60-watt-equivalent LED bulb gives about 800 lumens. Use several smaller lights rather than one bright light, so the room is lit evenly.
Related guide: Living Room Lighting Ideas: Layered Light That Works
How to use this calculator
- Measure your room carefully — length, width and height — and note doors and windows.
- Enter the numbers above and check the result.
- Round up to the next pack or tin size, and add about 10% for waste and touch-ups.
- Read the full guide: Living room lighting ideas — it explains the measurements, the mistakes to avoid and the FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
How many lumens do I need for a living room?
About 20 lumens per square foot. A living room of 180 square feet needs about 3,600 lumens in total, from several lights, not one.
What is a lumen?
A lumen measures how much light a bulb gives out. A standard 60-watt-equivalent LED bulb gives about 800 lumens.
How many lights should a room have?
At least three sources: one overhead or ambient light, one task lamp, and one low ambient or accent light. Larger rooms need more.
What colour light is best for a living room?
Warm white, around 2700K. It flatters skin tones and makes wood and fabric look rich. Kitchens and bathrooms suit around 3000K.