Workshop Lighting Calculator
Estimate workshop fixture quantity, required lumens, connected power, monthly electricity and fixture cost.
Default project preview
15 fixtures
Required lumens
75,000
Installed illuminance
75 fc
Connected lighting load
0.68 kW
Monthly electricity
118.8 kWh
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Workshop floor area
Enter this project assumption in ft². The current imperial default is 600 ft².
Target illuminance
Enter this project assumption in foot-candles. The current imperial default is 75 foot-candles.
Utilization factor
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 0.75. Minimum: 0.1. Maximum: 1.
Maintenance factor
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 0.8. Minimum: 0.1. Maximum: 1.
Lumens per fixture
Enter this project assumption in lm. The current imperial default is 5000 lm.
Watts per fixture
Enter this project assumption in W. The current imperial default is 45 W.
Lighting hours per day
Enter this project assumption in hours. The current imperial default is 8 hours. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 24.
Operating days per month
Enter this project assumption in days. The current imperial default is 22 days. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 31.
Electricity price
Enter this project assumption in per kWh. The current imperial default is 0.18 per kWh. Minimum: 0.
Price per fixture
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 65. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Required lumens
factors included. Default preview: 75,000.
Installed illuminance
average estimate. Default preview: 75 fc.
Connected lighting load
45 W per fixture. Default preview: 0.68 kW.
Monthly electricity
entered schedule. Default preview: 118.8 kWh.
Monthly energy cost
entered rate. Default preview: $21.38.
Fixture purchase cost
fixtures only. Default preview: $975.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Required lumens = area × target illuminance ÷ utilization ÷ maintenance. Fixtures are rounded up.
FAQ
Workshop Lighting Calculator questions
Why use utilization and maintenance factors?+
Not all light reaches the work plane and output declines over time.
Is average light enough for precision work?+
Detailed tasks may need dedicated task lighting.
Does this design fixture spacing?+
No. Use manufacturer photometric data.