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💡 Recessed Lighting Calculator

Plan the perfect recessed lighting layout for any room. Calculate optimal spacing, number of lights, and brightness requirements.

📏 Select Unit System:
💡 Calculate lights needed based on desired brightness.
General:10-20, Kitchen:30-40, Bath:50-60
Typical LED: 650-1100 lumens
📏 Half-ceiling-height rule: spacing = ceiling ÷ 2.
📐
Room Layout Mode
Input room dimensions and light count to get precise spacing and wall distances with a visual grid preview.
💡
Wattage & Brightness
Based on desired lumens per square foot, calculate how many lights you need and compare LED vs incandescent power consumption.
📏
Ceiling Height Rule
Apply the standard half-ceiling-height rule (spacing = ceiling ÷ 2) for a professional lighting layout.
🔄
Dual Unit Support
Switch between feet and meters. All calculations and labels update automatically.

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How to Plan Your Recessed Lighting Layout

Proper recessed lighting placement involves spacing (distance between lights), wall distance (how far from walls), and brightness (lumens needed). Our calculator offers three modes to help you plan.

Core Formulas

Spacing = Room Length ÷ Lights Per Row
Distance between lights along the room length
Wall Distance = Spacing ÷ 2
Half the spacing keeps lights properly positioned
Total Lumens = Area × Desired Lumens/sq ft
Room square footage × desired foot-candles
Ceiling Rule: Spacing = Ceiling Height ÷ 2
Standard rule for general ambient lighting

Recommended Lumens per Sq Ft

🛋️ Living Room

10-20 lm/sq ft. Soft ambient lighting with dimmers.

🍳 Kitchen

30-40 lm/sq ft. Bright task-oriented lighting.

🛏️ Bedroom

10-20 lm/sq ft. Softer ambient + task lights.

🚿 Bathroom

50-60 lm/sq ft. Bright grooming lighting.

📚 Office

40-50 lm/sq ft. Reduces eye strain.

🚶 Hallway

5-10 lm/sq ft. Low passage lighting.

Example & FAQ

🛋️ Living Room — 12 ft × 10 ft, 8 ft Ceiling

Room Layout: 3 per row, 2 rows. Spacing: 12÷3=4 ft. Rows: 10÷2=5 ft. Total: 6 lights

Ceiling Rule: 8÷2=4 ft → ~3 per row, ~2 rows = ~6 lights.

Brightness: 120 sq ft × 20 lm/sq ft = 2,400 lm. With 800-lm bulbs: 3 minimum. 6 recommended for even coverage.

How far apart should recessed lights be?
Divide ceiling height by 2. For 8-ft: 4 ft apart. For 10-ft: 5 ft apart. Wall distance = half the spacing.
How many lights for a 12×12 room?
Typically 4-6 lights with 8-ft ceilings. 3 per row × 2 rows = 6 lights with 800-lm bulbs = 4,800 lumens.
Lumens vs watts?
Lumens = light output. Watts = energy use. 10W LED ≈ 800 lumens (80 lm/W). 60W incandescent ≈ 800 lumens (15 lm/W).

⚠️ Important Note: This calculator provides estimates. Consult a licensed electrician and verify compliance with local codes. Electrical work should be done by a qualified professional.