Use this calculator to estimate the number of LED fixtures, total wattage and total lumens needed for your space. Inputs are room dimensions, ceiling height and the target application (warehouse, garage, gymnasium, parking lot). For project-grade accuracy on installations over 10 fixtures, our lighting design team provides free DIALux or AGi32 simulations — contact support@jclgl-led.com.
Result:
Quick Reference: Recommended Footcandle (fc) Levels by Application
Footcandle (fc) is a unit of illuminance that measures the amount of light reaching a surface. Use the following guidelines to determine appropriate lighting levels for common commercial and industrial spaces.
Warehouse & Distribution Centers
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Storage (Low Pick Rate) | 10 fc |
| Warehouse Storage (High Pick Rate / Picking Aisles) | 20–30 fc |
Tip: Higher footcandle levels improve visibility, picking accuracy, and worker safety in active storage areas.
Manufacturing Facilities
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| General Assembly | 30 fc |
| Fine Assembly / Inspection | 50–100 fc |
Tip: Precision tasks such as quality control and detailed assembly require significantly higher light levels to reduce eye strain and improve accuracy.
Automotive Service & Repair
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| Auto Repair Shops & Garages | 50 fc |
Tip: Adequate lighting helps technicians identify defects, perform repairs safely, and improve overall productivity.
Sports & Recreation Facilities
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| Gymnasium (Recreational Use) | 30 fc |
| Gymnasium (Competition Use) | 50–75 fc |
Tip: Competitive sports generally require higher illumination levels for player visibility, spectator experience, and potential video recording.
Parking & Outdoor Areas
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| Parking Lot (Open Lot, Basic Security) | 1–2 fc |
| Parking Lot (Commercial / Retail) | 2–5 fc |
Tip: Commercial parking areas often use higher light levels to enhance customer safety, security, and wayfinding.
Shipping & Receiving
| Application | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| Loading Docks | 20–30 fc |
Tip: Proper dock lighting improves visibility during loading and unloading operations, reducing accidents and handling errors.
At-a-Glance Summary
| Space Type | Target Footcandles |
|---|---|
| Low-Activity Warehouse Storage | 10 fc |
| Active Warehouse Picking Areas | 20–30 fc |
| General Manufacturing | 30 fc |
| Fine Manufacturing / Inspection | 50–100 fc |
| Auto Repair Facilities | 50 fc |
| Recreational Gyms | 30 fc |
| Competition Gyms | 50–75 fc |
| Basic Parking Lots | 1–2 fc |
| Commercial Parking Lots | 2–5 fc |
| Loading Docks | 20–30 fc |
Source: IES Lighting Handbook, 10th Edition (Illuminating Engineering Society).
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