Skip to main content

So, what is the Kelvin rating? The Kelvin rating is the measure of the color temperature of a light source. The higher the Kelvin rating, the cooler the light. The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the light.

Kelvin Color Temperature Rate Chart

Kelvin Color Temperature Rate Chart

When choosing a light bulb, it is important to consider the Kelvin rating. The Kelvin rating will tell you how warm or cool the light will be. If you want a warm, cozy atmosphere, you would choose a light bulb with a lower Kelvin rating. If you want a bright, energetic atmosphere, you would choose a light bulb with a higher Kelvin rating.

Kelvin ratings are indicated by the letter “K” followed by a number. For example, 3000K would be a warm white light, while 6000K would be a cool white light.

Kelvin is the unit of measurement for color temperature. The Kelvin scale is an absolute scale, meaning that it starts at absolute zero (-273°C). This is the point where all thermal motion stops. From there, the Kelvin scale goes up in increments of one. So, a light with a color temperature of 3000K would be slightly warmer than a light with a color temperature of 2000K.

Now that you know what the Kelvin rating is, you can choose the right light bulb for your needs!

The Kelvin scale is often used to describe the color of light because it is an objective scale. It is not affected by personal preferences or biases.

What is the color temperature (Kelvin)?

The color temperature of lighting is the heat of light. This says nothing about whether the lamp is warm or cold, but about whether its light has a cold or warm color. The color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin number, the “colder” and whiter the light. The lower the Kelvin number, the ‘warmer’ and yellower the light.

In lighting, the color temperature varies from warm to cool depending on the type of light source:

  • Candlelight: 1500 K.
  • Conventional light source: 2600-2700 K.
  • Halogen lamp: 2700-3000 K.
  • Fluorescent tube: 4500-6500 K.
  • Daylight: 5500-7000 K.
  • LEDs: 2700-6500 K.

As you can see, there is a wide range of color temperatures available, from very warm to very cool. The color temperature you choose will depend on the effect you want to create. For example, if you want a cozy, intimate setting, you would choose a lower color temperature (warm light). If you want a bright, energetic setting, you would choose a higher color temperature (cool light).

Generally speaking, cool white light (4000-6500K) is best for task lighting, while warm white light (2500-3500K) is better for ambient or general lighting.

Color temperatures above 5000K are sometimes referred to as “daylight” or “full-spectrum” because they closely resemble the color of daylight. These higher color temperatures are often used in offices and other work environments because they can help to increase productivity and alertness.

Color temperatures below 3000K are often referred to as “soft white” or “warm white” because they have a warm, yellowish tone. These lower color temperatures are often used in living rooms and bedrooms because they create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

If you want to learn more about Kelvin Color Temparature, Check out this video below.

Color Temperature and Kelvin Explained

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Kelvin light rating is a scale used to measure the color temperature of a given light source. It is based on the principle that an ideal black-body radiator emits light whose color depends on its temperature, and ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 degrees Kelvin. When it comes to lighting in photography, lower temperatures (2500K-3000K) produce a warm yellowish hue while higher temperatures (3500K-5000K) emit more of a cool bluish hue. Depending on what you are trying to achieve with your photographs and videos, selecting the right Kelvin light rating can make all the difference in achieving your desired end result.
Ultimately, the best Kelvin rating for you will depend on your own personal preferences and the purpose of the lighting in your space. Experimentation with different ratings may be necessary to find what works best for you. If you’re still unsure, however, 2700K-3000K or 3500K-4500K are generally considered good starting points.
Yes, a higher Kelvin temperature does mean hotter. The Kelvin scale is an absolute measurement which means that 0K (-273.15°C) is the absence of any thermal energy, also known as absolute zero. This point denotes the theoretical lowest possible temperature in the universe and cannot actually be achieved, even when matter is cooled to its lowest microscopic level. On this scale, temperatures increase as you go up on the number line and represent degrees of hotness from low to high. For example, at 0K there is no heat energy present whereas at 1K (roughly -272°C) there is a negligible amount of heat energy present. In contrast, room temperature sits around 295-300K (21-27°C).
David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

Hey, I’m David. I’ve worked in a cars store for 6 years. I write reviews and guides, helping people to choose the most suitable technicals and best product for them. I’m happy to finally share my knowledge of the industry here, on CarnesMechanical.

Leave a Reply