LED Panel Calculator: How Many Panels Do You Need for Your Room?
Over- or under-lighting a room is easy to do. This quick trade guide shows you how to work out how many LED panels you need using lux targets and a simple lumens calculation — with ready-made examples for offices, classrooms, corridors and workshops.
How the Calculation Works (the short version)
- Pick a target lux for the room type (see table below).
- Measure the room area in square metres (length × width).
- Lumens needed = Target lux × Area.
- Panels required = Lumens needed ÷ lumens per panel (typical 600×600 panel ≈ 3,600 lm).
Tip: For best results, allow a small buffer (10–15%) for losses and uniformity, or request a free lighting design.
Step 1 — Choose the Right Target Lux
Use common UK guidance as a starting point:
| Room / Application | Typical Target Lux | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office / Meeting Room | 300–500 lx | 500 lx for detailed tasks |
| Classroom | 300–500 lx | Higher for reading/writing focus |
| Corridor | 100–200 lx | Wayfinding, general circulation |
| Workshop / Workbench | 500–750 lx | Add task lighting as needed |
Step 2 — Measure Room Size & Work Out Lumens
Lux = lumens ÷ area (m²) so lumens = lux × area.
Example: A 5 m × 6 m office = 30 m². Target 300 lx → 300 × 30 = 9,000 lm needed.
Step 3 — Choose Panel Output & Count Panels
- 600×600 panel: typically ~3,600 lm (check product spec).
- 1200×600 panel: typically ~6,000–7,200 lm.
Panels required = Lumens needed ÷ lumens per panel.
Quick Reference — Panels Required
Based on a typical 3,600 lm (600×600) panel. Always confirm with a design for exact layouts and ceiling types.
| Room Example | Room Size | Target Lux | Lumens Needed | Panels (≈3,600 lm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small office | 12 m² (3×4 m) | 300 lx | 3,600 lm | ~1 panel |
| Meeting room | 20 m² (4×5 m) | 400 lx | 8,000 lm | ~2–3 panels |
| Classroom | 60 m² (6×10 m) | 300 lx | 18,000 lm | ~5 panels |
| Corridor | 15 m² | 150 lx | 2,250 lm | ~1 panel |
| Workshop bay | 40 m² (5×8 m) | 500 lx | 20,000 lm | ~6 panels |
Figures are indicative. Ceiling height, reflectance, optics (UGR), and uniformity will change the final count. For guaranteed results, request a free lighting design.
Recommended LED Panels & Options
- 600×600 LED Panels — the standard choice for offices and classrooms. Shop LED Panels
- 1200×600 LED Panels — use when you want fewer fittings with higher output per unit.
- Emergency versions — add maintained/non-maintained packs where required by your fire strategy.
- Colour temperature — 4000 K neutral white is a safe default for offices and schools.
FAQs
What lumen output does a 600×600 LED panel have?
Most quality 600×600 panels output around 3,200–4,000 lm. Always check the product datasheet — we’ve used 3,600 lm in the examples here.
How many LED panels do I need for a classroom?
For a 60 m² classroom at 300 lx you need about 18,000 lm. With 3,600 lm panels, that’s roughly 5 panels, subject to layout and uniformity.
What’s the best colour temperature for offices?
4000 K cool/neutral white is a good default. Use 3000 K in reception or hospitality spaces for a warmer feel.
Can I mix 600×600 and 1200×600 panels?
Yes. Mixing sizes can reduce installation time and fittings count. Just ensure even spacing and consistent UGR/uniformity — a quick lighting design helps.
Need a Fast, Accurate Panel Count?
Send us your room dimensions, target lux and any photos or drawings — we’ll confirm the count and recommend the right panels.
