How many LED high bay lights do I need?

Installing too few or too many high bay lights leads to poor visibility, increased energy costs, and inefficiencies. Without the right lighting plan, workplaces suffer from safety risks, high utility bills, and uneven illumination. The right number of high bay lights ensures maximum efficiency, reduced costs, and a well-lit environment.

Calculating the correct number of LED high bay lights depends on the space size, ceiling height, light wattage, and lumen output. A common method is to use a lighting calculator or formula to determine the right coverage area and spacing. By factoring in lumens per square foot, beam angle, and mounting height, you can achieve optimal lighting efficiency. This guide will walk you through every step to help you determine the perfect high bay lighting setup.

To ensure you get the right number of high bay lights, we’ll go through the key calculations, spacing requirements, and best practices for installation.

How Do You Calculate High Bay Lights?

Properly calculating high bay lights ensures optimal brightness, energy efficiency, and uniform illumination in large industrial and commercial spaces. The right number and type of fixtures depend on several key factors, including area size, ceiling height, illuminance level, and beam angle. Here’s how to determine the best high bay lighting setup.

Area Size

The first step in calculating high bay lighting is measuring the total area of the space.

• Formula:
• Area (sq. ft.) = Length × Width
• Example: A warehouse measuring 100 feet by 80 feet has an area of 8,000 sq. ft.
• Larger areas require more fixtures to maintain uniform lighting.

Ceiling Height

The height of the ceiling determines the type of high bay fixture needed.

• Ceiling height under 20 ft: Use low bay lights instead of high bay fixtures.
• Ceiling height between 20-30 ft: Standard LED high bay lights with medium beam angles (90°–120°) work best.
• Ceiling height above 30 ft: High-output LED high bay lights with narrow beam angles (60°–90°) provide focused illumination.

low bay vs high bay light

Illuminance Level

Different areas require different brightness levels, measured in footcandles (fc) or lux.

• General warehouse/workspace: 20–30 footcandles
• Assembly and production areas: 40–50 footcandles
• Inspection and precision tasks: 75–100 footcandles

Formula to determine lumens needed:

Total Lumens = Area (sq. ft.) × Required Footcandles

Example:
– A 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse requiring 30 footcandles needs:
10,000 × 30 = 300,000 lumens

Beam Angle

The beam angle of a high bay light affects how light is distributed.

• Wide beam angle (120°) – Best for lower ceilings (under 20 ft) to spread light evenly.
• Medium beam angle (90°–100°) – Suitable for 20-30 ft ceilings, providing good coverage with moderate intensity.
• Narrow beam angle (60°–90°) – Ideal for ceilings over 30 ft, focusing light downward to prevent waste.

UFO LED High bay Light Distribution

Final Calculation

To find the number of fixtures required, use:

Number of Fixtures = Total Lumens Needed ÷ Lumen Output per Fixture

Example:
– If a 300,000-lumen warehouse uses 25,000-lumen high bay lights, it needs:
300,000 ÷ 25,000 = 12 fixtures

Calculating high bay lights requires measuring the area, selecting the right fixture for ceiling height, determining required brightness, and choosing the best beam angle. Using LED high bay lights ensures energy efficiency, uniform lighting, and cost savings.

What Is the Formula for Calculating Lighting?

A simple formula to estimate the number of LED high bay lights needed:
1. Determine the total lumens required: Multiply the area (square feet) by the recommended lumens per square foot.
2. Find lumens per fixture: Check the lumen output of the selected high bay light.
3. Divide total lumens by lumens per fixture: This gives the approximate number of lights required.
For example, if a warehouse requires 300,000 lumens and each high bay light produces 30,000 lumens, then 10 fixtures are needed.

How Do I Choose High Bay Lights?

Selecting the right high bay lights is essential for ensuring proper illumination, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability in industrial, commercial, and warehouse settings. When choosing high bay lights, consider key factors such as wattage, lumen output, beam angle, color temperature, and dimming options.

Wattage

Wattage determines how much power the light consumes. With LED technology, higher wattage does not always mean brighter light, as LEDs are more efficient than traditional HID or fluorescent lighting.

• 100W – Suitable for smaller spaces or lower ceilings (15–20 feet).
• 150W – Ideal for general warehouse lighting with moderate ceiling heights (20–25 feet).
• 200W – Best for larger spaces with high ceilings (25–30 feet).
• 300W+ – Required for very large industrial areas with ceilings over 30 feet.

Lumen Output

Lumen output measures the actual brightness of the fixture. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light. Choosing the right lumen level ensures the space is well-lit while avoiding over-illumination.

• 10,000–15,000 lumens – Suitable for lower ceiling heights (15–20 feet).
• 20,000–25,000 lumens – Ideal for warehouse and industrial settings (20–30 feet).
• 30,000 lumens and above – Best for large manufacturing plants and storage facilities with ceilings above 30 feet.

Boreas LED UFO Highbay Light

Beam Angle

The beam angle determines how widely the light spreads. Choosing the correct beam angle helps maximize coverage while avoiding light waste.

• 120° beam angle – Best for lower ceilings, providing wide and even coverage.
• 90° beam angle – Suitable for mid-range ceilings, balancing coverage and intensity.
• 60° beam angle – Best for very high ceilings (30+ feet), focusing light downward to prevent dispersion.

Color Temperature

Color temperature affects the clarity and visibility of the workspace. Measured in Kelvin (K), the right color temperature can improve productivity and comfort.

• 3000K (warm white) – Creates a softer, yellowish light, often used in retail or commercial environments.
• 4000K (neutral white) – Provides a balanced, natural white light, reducing eye strain.
• 5000K–6500K (cool white) – Best for warehouses, manufacturing, and industrial spaces where bright visibility is required.

Dimming and Controls

Modern LED high bay lights often come with smart controls that help optimize energy efficiency.

• Dimmable options allow adjusting brightness based on needs, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
• Motion sensors turn lights on and off automatically, enhancing efficiency in low-traffic areas.
• Daylight sensors adjust brightness according to natural light levels, further improving energy savings.

Dimmable LED High Bay lights in warehouse

Choosing the right high bay lights depends on wattage, lumen output, beam angle, color temperature, and smart controls. A well-planned lighting setup improves visibility, lowers energy costs, and enhances workplace efficiency.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for High Bay Lighting?

Choosing the right lumen output for high bay lighting depends on the type of space, ceiling height, and required brightness level. Different environments, such as warehouses, factories, and retail stores, have varying illumination needs to ensure safety, productivity, and energy efficiency.

Warehouses

Warehouses require uniform and efficient lighting for safe navigation, inventory management, and worker productivity. The lumen requirements depend on the storage type, aisle width, and ceiling height.

• General warehouse lighting (low activity areas): 10,000–15,000 lumens per fixture
• Warehouse picking and packing areas: 20,000–25,000 lumens per fixture
• Ceiling height recommendations:
• 15–20 ft → 10,000–15,000 lumens
• 20–30 ft → 15,000–25,000 lumens
• 30+ ft → 30,000 lumens and above

Factories

Factories and manufacturing plants require higher illumination levels for detailed work, quality control, and worker safety. The lumen output varies based on the level of precision required.

• General production areas: 20,000–25,000 lumens per fixture
• Precision manufacturing & assembly: 30,000–40,000 lumens per fixture
• Heavy-duty industrial workspaces: 40,000+ lumens per fixture
• Ceiling height recommendations:
• 15–20 ft → 15,000–20,000 lumens
• 20–30 ft → 25,000–35,000 lumens
• 30+ ft → 40,000 lumens and above

Retail Stores

Retail spaces require balanced lighting that enhances visibility and creates a welcoming environment for customers. The lumen requirements depend on the store size, product displays, and ceiling height.

• Small retail stores and boutiques: 10,000–15,000 lumens per fixture
• Supermarkets and department stores: 15,000–20,000 lumens per fixture
• Large shopping centers and warehouses: 20,000–30,000 lumens per fixture
• Ceiling height recommendations:
• 12–15 ft → 10,000–15,000 lumens
• 15–20 ft → 15,000–20,000 lumens
• 20+ ft → 25,000 lumens and above

The number of lumens required for high bay lighting depends on space type, ceiling height, and activity level. Warehouses need efficient and even lighting, factories require higher brightness for precision work, and retail stores benefit from well-balanced lighting for visibility and aesthetics.

What Is the Coverage Area for High Bay Lights?

Coverage depends on the wattage, beam angle, and mounting height:
– 100W High Bay Light: Covers approximately 100-150 square feet.
– 150W High Bay Light: Covers 150-200 square feet.
– 200W High Bay Light: Covers 200-300 square feet.
Using a high bay lighting layout tool can help determine the exact coverage for your specific needs.

How Far Apart Should LED High Bay Lights Be Placed?

Spacing high bay lights correctly avoids dark spots and overlapping light zones:
– Ceiling height 15-20 feet: Spacing should be 12-15 feet apart.
– Ceiling height 20-30 feet: Spacing should be 15-20 feet apart.
– Ceiling height 30-40 feet: Spacing should be 20-30 feet apart.
Proper spacing ensures balanced and uniform illumination across the entire area.

Lighting layout design for high bay industrial LED lighting

What Is the Best Height for High Bay Lights?

Mounting height recommendations vary based on the power and application:
– 100W LED High Bay: Best at 10-15 feet.
– 150W LED High Bay: Best at 15-25 feet.
– 200W LED High Bay: Best at 25-40 feet.
Adjusting the mounting height impacts light distribution, so using a UFO high bay light calculator can refine your layout.

Conclusion

Determining how many LED high bay lights you need depends on the space size, lumen requirements, and fixture placement. Using a high bay lighting calculator or layout tool ensures efficiency, reduced costs, and optimal brightness. If you need expert advice on choosing the best high bay LED lights, contact us today, and we’ll help you design the perfect lighting solution!