Updated 19 September 2026 · Planning guidance with linked calculators
Kitchen Lighting Calculator checkpoint
A 16.5 m² kitchen has 5.2 m of active worktop. Ambient and task-light requirements are calculated as separate layers.
Inputs used
| Kitchen area | 16.5 m² |
|---|---|
| Worktop length | 5.2 m |
| Ambient target | 240 lux |
| Task lumens per metre | 480 lm/m |
Calculator result
- Ambient lumens
- 3,960 lm
- Counter task lumens
- 2,496 lm
- Total planned lumens
- 6,456 lm
Decision from this checkpoint
Allocate fixtures to ambient and worktop tasks separately, then check beam spread, cabinet shadows, switching, and electrical requirements with the exact products.
- Pendant/decorative output should not automatically be counted as useful task light.
- Use fixture lumens, not wattage alone.
Tools referenced in this project
- Kitchen Lighting Calculator
- Room Lighting Calculator
- Recessed Light Calculator
- Accent Lighting Planner
- Home Decor Budget Calculator
Map the tasks before choosing fixture positions
Mark worktops, sink, hob, island, table, tall cabinets, and the main walking routes. General ceiling light is only one layer; food preparation and washing areas often need task light in positions that avoid casting the user's shadow onto the work surface. Decorative or accent lighting should be planned separately from those task requirements.
Use lumen estimates as a room-level baseline
The kitchen lighting and lumen tools can give a starting output target based on the entered room information. Treat the result as a planning figure rather than a guarantee of brightness. Dark surfaces, high ceilings, diffusers, beam angle, fixture efficiency, and cabinet layout can change how much useful light reaches the worktop.
Check each fixture by its published output
Compare fittings using the lumen output of the exact model, not wattage alone. For integrated LED fixtures, note whether the published figure is source lumens or delivered lumens. If using recessed lights, compare beam angle and spacing with the ceiling height and the position of cabinets so the layout is not based only on an even grid.
Group lights by how the room is used
Separate general, task, dining, and accent layers where practical so they can be controlled independently. This allows the same kitchen to support food preparation, cleaning, dining, and low-level evening use. If dimming is planned, verify that the selected lamps, drivers, and controls are compatible with one another.
Have electrical details checked separately
The planning tools do not assess circuit capacity, wiring condition, fire ratings, clearances from heat or water, or local electrical requirements. Use the layout and budget as a discussion document, then have safety-critical or regulated electrical work designed and installed by an appropriately qualified person where required.