Luminous flux, measured in lumens (lm), is the total quantity of visible light a source emits in all directions. It's a property of the fixture itself, not of any particular surface — that's the job of lux.
Specifying by lumens first, then checking the resulting lux at the task surface, is the right order of operations — it keeps fixture selection and room layout from fighting each other.
Recommended Ranges
| Stage | Environment | Recommended Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Output | Decorative, ambient, orientation lighting | 100–400 lm | |
| Medium Output | General task, residential, office lighting | 400–1,500 lm | |
| High Output | High-ceiling commercial, industrial, floodlighting | > 1,500 lm |
See this parameter in action, across every stage and environment, in the full interactive simulator.
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