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
Application recommendations
Warm to cool spectrum
Color rendering information
Space type guidance
RGB color conversion

How it works

Simple workflow

1
Enter or adjust Kelvin temperature
2
View color appearance visualization
3
See application recommendations
4
Understand color rendering effects
5
Select appropriate temperature for space

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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