Warehouse Lighting Calculator
Calculate the required lighting for your warehouse based on size, ceiling height, and usage type.
List of the Top 10 Best Warehouse Light:
Understanding Warehouse Lighting Needs
Lighting in warehouses is critical not only for visibility but also for safety, productivity, and operational efficiency. Whether you are storing materials, assembling parts, or preparing packages for shipping, proper illumination ensures that your team can work safely and effectively. The Warehouse Lighting Calculator helps you determine the total lumens required for your facility based on size, ceiling height, and usage type.
Why Warehouse Lighting Is Unique
Unlike residential or office lighting, warehouse lighting often involves larger spaces with higher ceilings, few interior partitions, and minimal access to natural light. This means you need to think beyond just brightness — distribution, glare control, color temperature, and durability of fixtures all play an important role.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. In warehouse environments, the amount of lumens needed depends on both the square footage and the type of activity being performed.
Recommended Lighting Levels by Usage Type
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) provides recommended lighting levels for industrial environments:
- General Storage: 10–20 lumens per square foot
- Assembly Line: 30–50 lumens per square foot
- Shipping/Packing: 20–30 lumens per square foot
- High Precision Work: 50–70 lumens per square foot
- Cold Storage: 10–15 lumens per square foot
How to Calculate Required Lumens
Fixture Count = Total Lumens ÷ Lumens per Fixture
Example Calculation
For a 100 ft × 60 ft warehouse used for shipping (20 lumens/sq ft):
- Area = 100 × 60 = 6,000 sq ft
- Total Lumens = 6,000 × 20 = 120,000 lumens
- If using 20,000-lumen fixtures, you would need 6 fixtures
Fixture Types for Warehouses
Common fixtures include:
- High Bay Lights: For ceilings over 15 ft
- Low Bay Lights: For ceilings under 15 ft
- Linear LEDs: Ideal for aisle lighting
- UFO LEDs: High output, compact form
Important Considerations
- Mounting Height: Affects beam spread and fixture selection
- Lighting Uniformity: Avoid dark spots or over-lit areas
- Energy Efficiency: Choose LED for lower consumption
- Color Temperature: Use 4000K–5000K for clear visibility
- Dimming: Use occupancy sensors or daylight sensors
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens are needed per square foot in a warehouse?
This depends on usage. General storage may need only 10 lumens/sq ft, while detailed assembly work can require 70 lumens/sq ft.
How high should warehouse lights be mounted?
For ceilings 15 ft or higher, use high bay lights with appropriate lenses or reflectors to control beam spread.
Can I use LED lights in cold storage?
Yes, LED lights work well in cold environments and are more reliable than fluorescents in such conditions.
Should I use motion sensors in warehouses?
Yes. Motion or occupancy sensors can reduce energy consumption, especially in low-traffic or rarely used areas.
What’s the difference between high bay and low bay lights?
High bay lights are designed for ceilings over 15–20 feet and use narrower beam angles. Low bay lights are for lower ceilings and have wider dispersion.
Can poor lighting affect worker productivity?
Absolutely. Insufficient lighting can lead to errors, accidents, and eye strain. Bright, even lighting improves safety and morale.
Is daylight harvesting useful in warehouses?
Yes, in warehouses with skylights or windows. Integrated daylight sensors can dim or turn off lights automatically when natural light is sufficient.
How do I maintain consistent lighting?
Use quality fixtures, avoid mixing color temperatures, and arrange lights in a uniform grid layout. Regularly clean lenses and replace aged units.
Do I need an electrician for installation?
Yes. High bay light installation at height and with industrial wiring should always be handled by licensed professionals.
Can I retrofit existing fixtures with LED?
Yes. LED retrofit kits are available, but ensure they are compatible with your current fixture and layout.