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CRI Calculator

Evaluate color rendering quality for any lighting application

1Application & Light Source

2CRI Evaluation

80

CRI

Acceptable Color Rendering
Minimum Required: CRI 80
Ideal Recommended: CRI 90

CRI Scale

0507085100

Color Sample Visualization

See how colors appear under different CRI values

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Colors become more accurate as CRI increases

CRI Quality Reference

95-100Excellent - Critical color tasks
85-94Good - Most applications
70-84Acceptable - General lighting
< 70Poor - Utility only

Understanding Color Rendering Index (CRI)

CRI measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to natural light. A CRI of 100 represents perfect color rendering, equivalent to sunlight. Low CRI lighting can make colors appear washed out, distorted, or different from their true appearance.

How CRI Affects Your Space

Different applications have different CRI requirements. Retail stores need high CRI (90+) to make products look appealing. Art galleries require CRI 95+ to accurately display artwork. Warehouses can function with lower CRI (70-80) since color accuracy is less critical.

CRI Selection Tips

  • For residential spaces, choose CRI 90+ in living areas where you view photos, artwork, or apply makeup
  • Retail displays should use CRI 90-95 minimum to show true product colors and increase sales
  • LED lights vary widely in CRI - always check specifications before purchasing
  • High CRI LEDs cost more but provide significantly better color quality and are worth it for most applications