CRI(Color Rendering Index)-Lighting Terms And Definitions

Jason Hsieh | Co-Founder/Manager at TJ2 Lighting 東捷生活科技

發佈於TJ2 Lighting | LED Lighting Manufacturer in Taiwan

2023/10/30閱讀時間約 14 分鐘

This article is provided by TJ2 Lighting, led lighting manufacturer, lighting manufacturer in Taiwan | 東捷生活科技

CRI Color Rendering Index-TJ2 Lighting LED Lighting Manufacturer in taiwan

What Is “CRI Color Rendering Index” In LED Lights?

A color rendering index (CRI) is a quantitative metric to measure the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with a natural or standard light source.

Color rendering, as defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), is the effect of an illuminant on the color appearance of objects in comparison with their color appearance under a reference or standard illuminant.

CRI Color Rendering Index-TJ2 Lighting LED Lighting Manufacturer in taiwan

How Does The CRI Metric Work?

The CRI is typically expressed as a numerical value on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better color rendering.

CRI Metric:
● A CRI of 100 represents perfect color rendering, meaning the light source accurately replicates colors in the same way natural daylight does.
● A CRI below 80 is generally considered to have a noticeable impact on color rendering, making colors appear less accurate or less vibrant.

CRI Rating:
Actually, the CRI is calculated based on how closely the colors match their appearance under the reference light source. It is determined by evaluating the color rendering for eight specific sample colors (R1 to R8). A spectrometer checks to see if the light contains adequate quantities of those colors compared to sunlight.

However, this 8-color(R1 to R8) metric can’t tell you comprehensively whether or not a light source can render more saturated colors, so CIE decided to add 6 more saturated colors R9-R14, also referred to as CRI (R96a), while the former 8 colors we called CRI (Ra).

CRI Rating-TJ2 Lighting LED Lighting Manufacturer in taiwan

Why Do We Need To Measure CRI?

The CRI characteristics for LED lights can vary from product to product or in different production periods or methods. Measuring the Color Rendering Index is important for several reasons:

Color Accuracy: CRI helps assess how accurately a light source renders the colors of objects, especially when compared to natural daylight. In applications where color fidelity is crucial, such as art galleries, retail, fashion, and interior design, accurate color reproduction is essential. CRI measurements ensure that the chosen light source does not distort or misrepresent colors.
Aesthetic Quality: In architectural and interior design, lighting plays a significant role in creating the desired ambiance and aesthetics of a space. Accurate color rendering enhances the visual appeal of a room and the objects within it. CRI measurements help designers choose lighting that complements the intended atmosphere.
Product Presentation: For businesses, the presentation of products is critical. In stores, shops and other retail spaces, for example, accurate color rendering ensures that merchandise appears as it should, which can influence purchasing decisions.

Overall, the measurement of CRI is essential for assessing and ensuring the quality of light sources in various applications, where the accuracy and fidelity of colors play a significant role in aesthetics, functionality, and safety. It provides a standardized way to evaluate the ability of a light source to faithfully reproduce colors, thereby influencing our perception of the world around us and the success of specific tasks and activities.