Lux Level Calculator (UK) – Find the Right Lighting Level for Your Space
Select the type of space and enter the floor area to see the recommended lux level, the estimated total lumens required, and suitable Lumenloop products for that application.
This tool is designed to make early-stage lighting selection easier for offices, retail spaces, circulation areas, warehouses and other commercial environments.
Find Your Recommended Lux Level
Choose the application and enter the room size in square metres. The tool will estimate the typical target lux level and the total lumens usually needed for that type of space.
Your recommended lux level will appear here once you choose the type of space.
Enter the room size to estimate the total lumen output typically required.
Required lumens are estimated by multiplying the target lux level by the room area. This gives a simple starting point before detailed lighting design.
Suggested Lumenloop Products
These recommendations are based on the application selected and the typical lux level usually required for that type of space.
The tool will recommend suitable products once you choose the type of space.
Approximate fitting quantities are shown as a simple guide. Final product choice may still depend on lumen package, spacing, ceiling height, glare requirements, mounting type and controls.
Typical Recommended Lux Levels
Use these values as a simple benchmark when comparing different types of commercial space.
| Application | Recommended Lux Level |
|---|---|
| General Office Areas | 500 lux |
| Computer Workstations | 300–500 lux |
| Filing & Print Rooms | 300 lux |
| Drawing Offices | 500 lux |
| Retail Spaces | 500–1000 lux |
| Industrial / Engineering | 300–2000 lux |
| Banks & Building Societies | 300–500 lux |
| Staff Areas & Utilities | 100–200 lux |
| Kitchens | 300–750 lux |
| General Areas | 200–500 lux |
| Circulation Areas | 50–200 lux |
| Communication / Service Areas | 300–500 lux |
| Building Services Areas | 100–300 lux |
| Distribution & Storage | 100–300 lux |
| Places of Public Accessibility | 300 lux |
From Lux Levels to Real-World Specification
Meeting recommended lux levels is only part of the equation. The quality of light distribution, glare control, and long-term performance all play a critical role in whether a scheme actually performs as intended.
That’s why specifiers typically work with luminaires that offer:
- Verified photometric data
- Low glare performance (UGR-compliant options)
- Consistent output over time (L90/B10 standards)
- Reliable drivers and optical components
The products below reflect those principles — designed for projects where lighting needs to perform properly, not just meet minimum values on paper.
Void 17
The Void 17 is a professional ultra-shallow LED downlight, expertly engineered in the UK for discreet architectural integration.
It features a brilliant white RAL 9016 die-cast bezel and a low-glare
Vantage 26
Vantage 26 is a professional LED track spotlight designed for high-performance, flexible lighting in commercial, retail, and architectural spaces.
Delivering up to 5,225 llm, it offers
Napoleon 16
The Napoleon 16 is a low-profile LED downlight designed for spaces with limited ceiling voids, delivering powerful illumination without compromising on quality. With a discreet 232 mm bezel
Suspend-Pro 15
The Suspend-Pro 15 Series professional LED downlight delivers exceptional pendant lighting performance, making it the perfect choice for commercial lighting projects requiring suspended installation. This innovative 203mm suspended
Edge-Lite 20
Edge-Lite 20 is an ultra-slim 595 × 595 mm edge-lit LED panel delivering UGR<19 low-glare performance for comfortable office and education lighting.
Using Philips LEDs, it provides uniform illumination up
Uni-Fit 21
The Uni-Fit 21 Series LED linear luminaire is specifically designed for educational applications, making it ideal for school lighting projects and classroom installations.
This versatile 1200mm and 1500mm LED fitting
Solaris 13
The NEW Solaris 13 is a premium decorative LED lighting solution ideal for prestigious hotel environments and upscale commercial spaces.
This elegant surface mounted wall light
Stucchi Track Lighting
The Stucchi ONETRACK™ is a premium 3-circuit surface-mounted lighting track system designed for versatile commercial and architectural lighting applications.
Built on the Eurostandard Plus® platform, it offers DALI compatibility and
Example Luminaires by Lux Level Requirement
| Recommended Lux Level | Typical Application | Suggested Product | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–200 lux | Corridors, circulation areas | Eco 78 | Efficient, wide distribution for low-level ambient lighting with minimal energy use |
| 200–300 lux | Storage areas, plant rooms | Clarity 96 | Balanced output with good uniformity for functional back-of-house spaces |
| 300–500 lux | Offices, classrooms, meeting rooms | Vero 11 | Low glare (UGR<19) and controlled optics for compliant workplace lighting |
| 500–750 lux | Retail, detailed office tasks | Halo 100 | Higher lumen output with refined beam control for enhanced visibility and presentation |
| 750–1000 lux | Workshops, inspection areas | Fusion 103 | High-performance output suited to precision tasks and industrial environments |
| 1000+ lux | High-risk / specialist task areas | Protec 149 | Maximum output with robust performance for demanding applications |
*Actual lux levels will vary depending on ceiling height, spacing, and reflectance values. These examples illustrate typical product pairings used in real-world lighting designs
Recommended Lux Levels for Office Spaces
Achieving the correct lux level in an office isn’t just about hitting a target number — it’s about how that light is delivered across the space.
Two offices can both measure 500 lux, yet feel completely different depending on glare control, distribution, and the type of luminaires used. That’s why lux should always be considered alongside lighting strategy — not in isolation.
In most modern workplaces, this means combining well-distributed ambient lighting with task-specific illumination using high-performance architectural LED luminaires designed for commercial environments.
Understanding Lux in Real-World Office Design
Lux measures the amount of light reaching a surface — typically the working plane (desk height).
Standards such as EN 12464-1 recommend 300–500 lux for general office work, but this is only part of the picture. What matters more is:
- Uniformity of light across the workspace
- Control of glare (UGR ratings)
- Positioning of luminaires relative to tasks
This is why simply increasing brightness rarely improves a space — it often makes it worse.
Ambient, Task and Accent Lighting (What Actually Delivers Lux)
To achieve consistent and comfortable lux levels, office lighting should be layered into three key types:
Ambient Lighting
This forms the base level of illumination across the entire space. In offices, this is typically delivered using linear LED lighting systems or suspended office luminaires to provide even distribution and minimise shadowing.
Well-designed ambient lighting ensures the overall space meets the required lux level without relying on excessive brightness from individual fittings.
Task Lighting
Task lighting focuses light exactly where it’s needed — usually on desks or workstations.
In commercial settings, this often isn’t a desk lamp. Instead, it’s achieved through carefully positioned suspended linear luminaires above desks or high-performance LED downlights that provide controlled, direct illumination without glare.
This is critical for screen-based work, where poor lighting angles can create reflections and visual discomfort.
Accent Lighting
While less critical for compliance, accent lighting improves visual hierarchy and comfort within the space.
This may include wall-mounted lighting to reduce contrast between surfaces, or feature lighting in breakout areas to create a more balanced environment.
Without this layer, even correctly lit offices can feel flat and fatiguing.
Recommended Lux Levels by Office Area
- General office areas: 300–500 lux
- Workstations: 300–500 lux (with strict glare control)
- Design / technical work: 500–750 lux
- Meeting rooms: 300–500 lux with flexibility
However, these values only work when paired with the right lighting layout and product specification.
From Lux Calculation to Product Selection
Once you’ve identified the required lux level, the next step is ensuring your lighting scheme can actually achieve it in practice.
This is where specification matters.
For example, open-plan offices aiming for uniform 400–500 lux will typically rely on suspended linear lighting systems to distribute light evenly across desks.
More compact layouts may use a combination of commercial LED downlights and wall-mounted luminaires to fill gaps and maintain consistency.
In all cases, the goal is the same — achieving the required lux level without hotspots, shadows, or glare.
Integrating Emergency Lighting Requirements
Office lighting design doesn’t stop at normal operation. Emergency lighting must also be considered alongside lux levels.
Escape routes, open areas, and high-risk zones all have minimum illumination requirements, which are typically delivered using dedicated LED emergency lighting systems.
These should be integrated into the overall layout rather than treated as an afterthought.
Common Mistakes That Undermine Lux Levels
- Over-lighting instead of improving distribution
- Ignoring glare (UGR) in screen-heavy environments
- Poor luminaire positioning relative to desks
- Inconsistent fittings across the same workspace
Most lighting issues come from layout and specification — not insufficient lumen output.
Why This Matters for Workplace Performance
Lighting directly affects how people feel and perform.
Well-designed lighting reduces fatigue, improves focus, and creates a more comfortable working environment.
Poor lighting — even when technically “bright enough” — leads to eye strain, headaches, and reduced productivity over time.
Many organisations are now also prioritising sustainable, recyclable luminaires to reduce lifecycle impact while maintaining high performance.
Use the Lux Level Estimator
This tool gives you a fast way to calculate the recommended lux level for your office space based on size and usage.
It’s designed to bridge the gap between guidelines and specification — helping you move from “what level do I need?” to selecting the right lighting solution with confidence.
Lux Level FAQ
What lux levels are recommended for office lighting?
Typical office lighting levels are based on BS EN 12464-1, which recommends around 300–500 lux for general office work.
Tasks requiring greater visual focus, such as detailed drawing or technical work, may require higher levels.
The exact requirement depends on the layout, task type and visual comfort targets such as glare control (UGR).
What lux levels are required for warehouse lighting?
Warehouse lighting requirements vary depending on the activity within the space.
General storage areas typically require around 100–200 lux, while picking, packing or inspection zones may require 300 lux or more. Higher lux levels may also be needed in areas where accuracy and safety are critical.
What is the difference between lux and lumens?
Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a light source, while lux measures how much of that light reaches a surface.
In simple terms, lumens describe output, whereas lux describes illumination at a specific point. This is why lux is used when planning lighting levels within a space.
What lux levels are recommended under EN 12464-1?
EN 12464-1 provides guidance on lighting levels for indoor workplaces, with recommended lux levels depending on the task and environment. For example, offices typically require 300–500 lux, while circulation areas may require lower levels. The standard also considers factors such as glare, uniformity and visual comfort.
