What is CRI in Lighting?

Are you tired of choosing lighting that makes your spaces look dull or colors appear inaccurate? Poor lighting with low CRI can distort colors, harm your ambiance, and even affect your productivity. Fortunately, understanding CRI can help you make better choices.

CRI, or Color Rendering Index, is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures how accurately a light source reveals the colors of objects compared to natural light. A CRI of 100 represents daylight, the ideal reference, while lower values mean the colors may appear unnatural. High CRI lighting is essential for spaces requiring true-to-life color representation, like art studios, retail stores, or homes.

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What is the Color Rendering Index (CRI)?

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) evaluates a light source’s ability to render colors faithfully. It indicates how accurately a light source makes the colors of various objects look compared to a natural light source, like the sun. For instance, a CRI of 90 or above is considered excellent and is typically used in areas where precise color distinction is essential.

• A CRI of 80 or above is typically considered good for most applications.
• A CRI of 90 or above is ideal for environments requiring precise color discrimination, such as art galleries or medical facilities.

Color Rendering Index

How is CRI Measured?

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is evaluated using a traditional method that involves eight standardized reference colors. A formal measurement is conducted in a lighting laboratory, typically as part of a comprehensive product testing and certification process.

To measure CRI, the light source being tested is directed onto these reference colors. A spectrophotometer is used to assess its performance. This specialized instrument quantifies the intensity of light absorbed after passing through the sample, providing precise data on how the light source affects the appearance of colors.

For each reference color, the light source’s rendering capability is compared to a benchmark—usually daylight or an idealized source. The variation in performance is calculated as a percentage. After evaluating all eight colors, the results are averaged to determine the overall CRI score. A high CRI indicates better color rendering, making the light more suitable for applications where color accuracy is critical.

However, red tones are not accurately represented in the standard Color Rendering Index (CRI). As a result, a light source that performs poorly in rendering reds can still achieve a high CRI rating. Since the CRI score is an average of eight reference colors, slight variations in performance across the spectrum may still allow a product to receive a high rating.

The limitations of the eight-color CRI metric are widely recognized. To address this, an extended CRI method has been introduced in recent years, utilizing 15 reference colors for a more comprehensive evaluation.

TM-30-15: A New Standard for Color Rendering

A more advanced standard, TM-30-15, is emerging as a preferred method for evaluating the color rendering performance of light sources, replacing the traditional CRI metric. Developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), TM-30-15 uses a comprehensive set of 99 reference colors to provide a more detailed and accurate assessment.

This new standard introduces additional metrics, including the Gamut Index, which measures color saturation. It also evaluates how accurately a light source reproduces the appearance of colors compared to a reference light, using the Color Fidelity Index. TM-30-15 offers a more nuanced and reliable way to assess lighting quality, addressing the limitations of older methods.

TM-30-15 Color Rendering

What Are Common CRI Values and What Is Acceptable?

CRI values typically range from 0 to 100. Common values include:
– 70: Suitable for warehouses or basic lighting needs.
– 80-89: Ideal for offices and general lighting, balancing cost and performance.
– 90+: Perfect for spaces requiring vibrant and accurate colors, like galleries and design studios.
An acceptable CRI depends on your application. For instance, while 70 might work for utility spaces, 90+ is essential for premium experiences.

What CRI Means in Practical Terms

In practical use, CRI reflects the quality and ambiance your lighting delivers. A high CRI light source enhances the appearance of your interiors, making colors look more vivid and natural. Low CRI lighting, on the other hand, often results in a dull and washed-out appearance.

What Is a Good CRI for LED Lights?

For most LED lighting applications, a CRI of 80 or higher is recommended. High-quality LED lights feature CRI values of 80, 90, or even higher, ensuring superior color rendering for residential, commercial, or industrial use.

Is a CRI of 80 Good?

A CRI of 80 is considered good for most applications, offering a balance between energy efficiency and adequate color accuracy. However, if your space requires precise color distinction or a luxurious ambiance, consider upgrading to a CRI of 90 or above.

What CRI Is Best for a Living Room?

For living rooms, a CRI of 80 or higher is recommended to create a comfortable and natural atmosphere. A higher CRI, like 90, can make artwork, furniture, and decor pop, adding warmth and vibrancy to your home.

Summary

In summary, CRI plays a pivotal role in how lighting affects your space and its usability. From vibrant art displays to functional work environments, choosing the right CRI ensures that your lighting works effectively for your needs.

Curious about how high-CRI LEDs can transform your space? Contact us today at to discuss your lighting needs!