What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?

1、What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?

2、Where Do You See it?

3、Why is Color Rendering Index Important?

What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?

Color Rendering Index-CRI is a quantitative unit used to measure the capacity of a light source to reflect the true colors of any object in place, compared to the natural light source.

We all know every light source is not the same. An object may reflect slightly different shades of color under the influence of different artificial lights like LED lighting, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent, and halogen light sources.

In simple terms, the closer the light source is to natural daylight, the accurate the color rendering you see on the object. A red dress under a fluorescent light may not seem as radiant as it will in natural sunlight. Knowing this would make you aware of the luminaire you buy and their ability to showcase your place.

The following illustration will help you understand how the color rendering capability of an artificial light source affects what we see as a result. The color appearance of an object under consideration significantly deteriorates under a low CRI LED bulb.

Where Do You See it?

You may find the value of CRI on the package of a lamp ranging from 0 to 100. Generally, the higher the number, the better, but it depends on the usage. A mid-range value may seem perfect for a living area but may not be as effective in an art gallery.

The value comes from a color rendering Index Chart. Here you can see it is pretty much self-explanatory.

CRI 1-100

How is it Measured?

CRI lighting is measured by comparing the color quality scale (color rendering score) of a light source to the ideal source, which is a perfect black body radiator while keeping the color temperature fixed to 5000k. Various techniques are used, such as test methods, chromatic adaptation, and the R96a method.

Why is Color Rendering Index Important?

Color Rendering Index-CRI is by far the most crucial thing to keep in mind while setting up your LED light bulbs. It can significantly impact the appearance of furniture, the color of walls, décor, and overall ambiance.

CRI is very important

As discussed before, not every light source is the same, and lamps with better CRI ratings can make a lot of difference.

Home lighting with a poor CRI rating can negatively impact your ability to see, read and set the right tone of the environment. Especially true for color-critical applications like drawing room, home study, art expose, and research institute. Always have a look at the luminaire package to buy the best product.

The CRI becomes even more critical for a commercial setup like in the textile and décor industry, where the manufactured product should have the same color appearance in the market.

LED technology evolves every day and now has better CRI ratings than ever. LEDs with a score of about 80 to 90 on color rendering charts are best suited for façade and landscape lighting.

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