How many LED panels do I need? (Number per m²)

Suppose you want to buy a large quantity of LED panels for an office, school or large hall. Or simply want to buy the same kind of economical lighting for several rooms. So how many do you actually need?

The best method to determine how many LED panels are needed per square metre is to apply the following formula: Desired light output (number of Lux) divided by the light output of the LED panel (number of Lumen). You then correct this value for the height of the (system) ceiling.

For business use, you have to deal with applicable regulations: a minimum light output must be maintained in a workspace. These are described in the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard for LED light values. You can use this as a starting point for the ideal light output in an office space, for example.

Depending on the size of an LED panel and the quality of the light output (number of lumens), you determine the number of panels required per m². A good quality LED panel produces more light. To help you, we have already made a preselection for maximum light quality. View our current range of high-quality LED panels in the AdvantageLED webshop:

Check out our LED panels here.

Choosing the right number of LED panels

To better understand how many LED panels is the right number for your specific situation, we need to look mainly at lighting needs, brightness and panel size, as well as optimal placement.

To arrive at the optimal amount of LED panels per square metre, we first walk through the following simple steps to determine the light requirement:

Determining lighting requirements

Depending on the function of the room, the number of panels required will vary. The lighting requirement for a specific room can be determined for a business function using existing guidelines.

Check the light level per LED panel

Each LED panel has a specific light intensity. This is indicated in the web shop of AdvantageLED by the number of Lumen, for example. You need this value to determine the optimal number of panels.

Making a lighting plan

Proper light distribution and placement of light sources is essential to determine which size and type of LED panels is right for your needs. Depending on the lighting plan, dimensions, brightness and light colour of the chosen panels will vary.

Consider supportive lighting

Besides LED panels in, say, an office suspended ceiling, desk lamps, LED lighting mounted around the desk or on walls can also make a difference. Consider what is needed. Also take existing daylight into account. A professional lighting designer can help with this.

Number of LED panels per square metre

An average sized Dutch office of 100m² requires a luminance of around 500 lux, which equates to a required number of LED panels of at least 13 (each averaging 4000 lumens).

To calculate the number of LED panels, we use the initial values: the number of square metres of the room and the light requirement (in Lux). We multiply these values by each other to arrive at the required number of lumens: 100m² x 500 Lux = 50,000 lumens.

Let's assume a standard-sized LED panel of 60 x 60 cm (square) or 120 x 30 cm (rectangular), both of which produce an average of 4000 lumens per light source.

We divide the number of Lumen required by the number of Lumen per LED panel: 50,000 Lumen / 4000 Lumen = 12.5 panels. Thus, at least 13 LED panels are needed for an open-plan office of 100 square metres on average.

For the main sizes of LED panels, the following averages can be used for the number of LED panels required (number of Lumen is estimated):

• LED panel 30 x 30 cm (1500 Lm)1 light source per 4m²
• LED panel 30 x 60 cm (2000 Lm)1 light source per 6m²
• LED panel 60 x 60 cm (3000 Lm)1 light source per 7m²
• LED panel 60 x 60 cm (4000 Lm)1 light source per 8m²
• LED panel 30 x 120 cm (4000 Lm)1 light source per 8 m²
• LED panel 60 x 120 cm (6000 Lm)1 light source per 10m²

Consider lighting standards for offices

To choose the right light intensity, it is important to first obtain the required number of Lux per room. We do not conjure these values out of a hat, but can be based on the applicable legal lighting standards for business lighting.

The NEN-EN 12464-1 standard for average LED luminance can be used as a guide to determine the minimum lighting requirement of a room. The guidelines may differ depending on the type of room, but also the type of work being performed.

An architect with technical drawings (or a watchmaker, for example) needs a higher level of lighting (number of lux) than an average office with computers. At the same time, the corridor and toilet (or the canteen, for example) need much less bright light.

The table below shows the average Lux values per room, which you can use to determine the number of LED panels:

Consider LED dimmers and sensors

For larger business lighting needs, it makes sense to work with a professional lighting planner. This can draw up a plan for you, often using lighting simulations and professional lighting software.

A good lighting planner will also suggest solutions for installing LED dimmers and light sensors. This will make LED panels last much longer and will greatly reduce the overall energy consumption of lighting in the room.

A lot is possible in the field of smart lighting. For instance, LED dimmers can be adjusted dynamically (with software) to the day-night cycle of the moment. But it is also possible to adjust light colour and brightness as needed. For example, choose a presentation mode for room lighting during a meeting with a beamer.

Monitoring and regulating LED panels is a lot more efficient and also quite advantageous in terms of power consumption compared to 'dumb' LED lighting. So those who are smart about buying LED panels are also considering the options around LED dimmers and other smart saving methods.

Buying professional LED panels

Obviously, the right number of LED panels per square metre can vary widely. Buy too few LED panels and you are stuck with an underexposed, dark indoor environment. At the same time, too many LED panels can cause glare or overexposure, as well as excessive energy consumption.

When buying LED panels for a relatively large room (or several rooms), it is important to first calculate carefully how many light sources would be ideal. You can do this yourself, or for this you can hire a lighting expert who will draw up a lighting plan for your individual situation.