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Lighting Measurement Solutions

As LEDs and other narrow band light sources become more and more popular in the lighting industry, accurate measurement becomes imperative. All aspects of light including color and spectral properties as well as intensity, need to be quantified. Konica Minolta measuring instruments for the lighting industry are designed to provide all the required metrics quickly, accurately and reliably. Konica Minolta has a solution for all phases in the development cycle of a light source, from research and development, design, production, QA/QC, to installation and field verification.

Recommended Lighting Measurement Instruments

The following products are our most recommended for plastics measurement, our specialist team can help to advise you on which product is best suited for your needs:

CL-500A Illuminance Spectrophotometer

LS-150 Luminance Meter

CS-150 Luminance and Color Meter

CS-3000 Spectroradiometer

Other products include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lux in lighting?

Lux is the unit that quantifies illuminance, representing the amount of light that falls on a surface. To measure light intensity, we use lux meters, which capture the amount of light per square meter. One Lux equals one lumen per square meter, so it tells you how bright a space is from the perspective of human vision. This measurement is crucial in lighting design, photography, and workplace safety, as it helps ensure environments are well-lit for both comfort and functionality. Whether you’re adjusting lighting for a display or setting the mood in a gallery, Lux helps quantify the quality of light that reaches the eye.

1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter

How to measure light intensity?

Measuring light intensity can be done in several ways, depending on the context and the level of precision required. You begin by selecting a suitable instrument, typically a lux meter, a photodiode or light sensor, or a spectroradiometer. The sensor converts light into an electrical signal and then translates it into Lux, the standard unit of illuminance. For more precision, calibration against a known light source ensures accuracy.

How is light quality measured?

Light quality is measured by evaluating several key attributes that influence how light interacts with objects and environments. These include color rendering, which assesses how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects, and color temperature, which describes the warmth or coolness of the light. Uniformity and flicker are also important—uneven or unstable lighting can distort perception and cause discomfort. Spectroradiometers and colorimeters capture precise data on spectral distribution and intensity. These measurements enable engineers and designers to ensure that lighting meets both aesthetic and functional standards, particularly in applications such as photography, retail, and display technology, where visual fidelity is paramount.

How to read a lux meter?

To read a lux meter, first power it on and set it to measure illuminance in Lux. Hold the sensor flat and level, with its face facing the light source directly. The meter will display a number, this is the light intensity in Lux. For example, a reading of 500 lux might indicate typical office lighting, while 50,000 lux could mean direct sunlight. Make sure no shadows or reflections interfere with the sensor. If your meter has a range setting, adjust it to avoid overload or under-range errors. Take multiple readings if necessary, especially in uneven lighting conditions. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for calibration and usage tips to ensure accurate results.

How to measure light bulb brightness?

To measure a light bulb’s brightness, you look at its lumens rating, which tells you how much light it emits. Unlike watts, which measure energy use, lumens reveal the actual glow. Imagine walking into a room lit by a 1600-lumen bulb—it feels bright and welcoming, like daylight streaming through a window. You can use a light meter to obtain precise readings, especially when comparing bulbs or designing lighting for a space. The meter captures the intensity of light at a specific point, helping you understand how well a bulb performs in real-world conditions. Whether you’re choosing bulbs for a cozy living room or a vibrant workspace, lumens are your guide to finding the perfect brightness.

How do lumens measure?

Lumens measure the brightness of light, telling us how much visible light a source emits. Imagine walking into a room lit by a single candle—its soft, subtle glow. That candle gives off about one lumen. Now picture a powerful flashlight or a projector; its beam cuts through darkness with hundreds or thousands of lumens of light. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the light appears to our eyes. Unlike watts, which measure energy use, lumens focus purely on light output. Because of this, lumens are essential for comparing lighting products, especially in display engineering or marketing visuals, where clarity and vibrancy are crucial. Lumens help ensure that what we see is vivid, accurate, and impactful—whether on a screen or in a space.