Color temperature calculator
Understand Kelvin and color rendering for lighting
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The Color Temperature Calculator helps lighting designers and architects understand color temperature in Kelvin and its visual effects. Calculate color temperature values and see how different Kelvin ratings affect the appearance of light and materials.
Color temperature describes the color appearance of light sources, from warm (yellow/orange) to cool (blue/white). Understanding color temperature is essential for creating appropriate lighting atmospheres and ensuring accurate color rendering in different spaces.
Enter Kelvin temperature to see the color appearance and understand applications. The calculator helps select appropriate color temperatures for different spaces: warm (2700-3000K) for residential, neutral (3500-4100K) for offices, cool (5000-6500K) for task lighting.
Features
Everything you need
- Kelvin temperature visualization
- Color appearance display
- Room recommendations
- Lighting temperature guide
- Application recommendations
- Warm to cool spectrum
- Color rendering information
- Space type guidance
- RGB color conversion
How it works
Simple workflow
- 1Enter or adjust Kelvin temperature
- 2View color appearance visualization
- 3See application recommendations
- 4Understand color rendering effects
- 5Select appropriate temperature for space
- 6Find recommended temperatures for rooms
Use cases
Built for real-world scenarios
Lighting design
Select appropriate color temperatures for different spaces and applications.
Material presentation
Choose lighting that accurately renders material colors and textures.
Atmosphere creation
Use color temperature to create desired moods and ambiances in spaces.
Product selection
Specify appropriate color temperature for lighting fixtures and systems.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Color temperature (Kelvin) describes light color appearance. Lower K = warmer (yellow/orange), higher K = cooler (blue/white). Measured in Kelvin (K), named after heating a black body radiator.
Residential: 2700-3000K (warm). Offices: 3500-4100K (neutral). Retail: 3000-4000K. Healthcare: 4000-5000K. Task lighting: 5000-6500K (cool/daylight).
Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately light shows true colors (0-100). Higher CRI = better color accuracy. CRI 80+ good, 90+ excellent. Color temperature and CRI are independent.
Warm light (2700-3000K) feels cozy and relaxing. Cool light (5000-6500K) feels energizing and alert. Neutral (3500-4100K) feels balanced and natural. Choose based on space function.
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