How many low bay lights do I need?
To light a standard space with ceilings under 20 feet, you’ll typically need one low bay LED light for every 100 to 200 square feet, depending on the brightness required. Use our foot candle calculator to determine your ideal light levels and spacing for accurate results.
For larger or specialized areas, our team can help you create a custom lighting plan that avoids dark spots and meets safety standards. If your ceilings are higher, you may need to use our high bay LED light calculator instead.
Calculating low bay light spacing
To calculate proper spacing for low bay LED lights, start by measuring your space and getting to know your lighting needs. On average, low bay lights should be spaced 1 to 1.5 times the mounting height apart for balanced coverage. Use a lighting calculator to ensure even light levels across the area.
This process is especially important for warehouse lighting installation, where poor spacing can lead to shadows or under-lit zones. Whether you're planning a new build or exploring warehouse lighting upgrades, following these steps ensures compliance with warehouse lighting requirements and helps you achieve the best warehouse LED lighting setup for your space.
Below are the core steps to determine how many fixtures you’ll need and how to space them properly:
1. Measure Ceiling Height
Your ceiling height determines whether you need high or low bay fixtures. Low bay lights are suitable for ceilings under 20 feet. For ceilings above that, consider using high bay fixtures. This is a key factor in any decision concerning high bay vs low bay LED lights.
2. Determine Required Light Levels
The amount of light your space needs will vary based on use. General storage areas may require lower light levels, while production or workspaces need brighter, more focused illumination.
3. Measure and Map the Floor Area
Multiply the length and width of your space to calculate the total square footage. This will help you determine how many fixtures are needed to achieve consistent light coverage throughout the area.
4. Choose the Right Fixture Output
Select fixtures with the right lumen output for your environment. Consider the height of the ceiling and how light will interact with surfaces, shelving, or machinery that could affect how evenly the space is lit.
5. Calculate Fixture Spacing
A typical rule of thumb is to space low bay lights 1 to 1.5 times the mounting height. For example, if your ceiling is 15 feet high, lights should be about 15 to 22 feet apart. Tighter spacing increases brightness and helps reduce shadowing in detailed work areas.
6. Adjust for Layout and Use
Factor in obstacles like shelving, walls, or equipment that might block or absorb light. Adjust your layout to ensure proper coverage for work zones, walkways, and storage areas. Well-spaced lighting supports both safety and productivity.
Need help with planning? We’ll work with your layout, ceiling height, and task requirements to create a customized lighting plan. Get in touch today to start designing a solution that works for your space.
Additional reading: types of light bulbs
Let us determine optimal distance between low bay lights in your building
Spacing your low bay LED lights correctly is critical for even, efficient illumination. Too far apart, and you risk dark spots; too close, and you waste energy and increase glare. Our team can help you calculate the optimal distance between fixtures based on your ceiling height, room layout, brightness needs, and lighting standards.
We’ve supplied LED lighting for classrooms, aircraft hangar lighting, retail lighting upgrades, factory LED lighting, and more. Want to see how much switching to LED can save your business? Use our LED vs fluorescent cost savings calculator or reach out for expert help with your lighting layout, product selection, and compliance.
Have questions about your lighting layout? Call us at (954)714-0300 or contact us online for a customized low bay lighting solution tailored to your facility’s needs.
