How Many Lumens for Parking Lot Lighting? Complete Guide
Learn how many lumens you need for parking lot lighting. IES foot-candle requirements, pole height guides, and fixture recommendations.
Parking Lot Lighting Requirements
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) provides recommended light levels for parking lots based on activity level.
IES Recommended Foot-Candles
| Parking Activity Level | Foot-Candles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| High | 3.6 fc (avg) | Shopping centers, hospitals, active venues |
| Medium | 2.4 fc (avg) | Office buildings, restaurants, churches |
| Low | 0.8 fc (avg) | Industrial, residential, rural |
Lumens Needed by Lot Size
| Lot Size (spaces) | Area (sq ft) | Lumens Needed | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-50 | 10,000-20,000 | 100,000-200,000 | 2-4 poles, 150W each |
| 50-100 | 20,000-40,000 | 200,000-400,000 | 4-6 poles, 150-200W |
| 100-200 | 40,000-80,000 | 400,000-800,000 | 6-10 poles, 200-300W |
| 200-500 | 80,000-200,000 | 800K-2M | 10-20 poles, 300W |
| 500+ | 200,000+ | 2M+ | 20+ poles, 300-420W |
Pole Height & Fixture Wattage Guide
| Pole Height | Recommended Wattage | Lumen Output | Coverage Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-20 ft | 100-150W | 15,000-22,500 lm | 60-80 ft |
| 20-25 ft | 150-200W | 22,500-30,000 lm | 80-100 ft |
| 25-30 ft | 200-300W | 30,000-45,000 lm | 100-120 ft |
| 30-35 ft | 300-420W | 45,000-63,000 lm | 120-140 ft |
Our Top Parking Lot Fixtures
- [OT Series 150W (Small)](/p/75w-145w-aera-lighting-shoebox-ot-series-s) — Best for small-medium lots, 20ft poles
- [OT Series 230W (Medium)](/p/180w-230w-aera-lighting-shoebox-ot-series-m) — Best for medium-large lots, 25ft poles
- [OT Series 420W (Large)](/p/300w-420w-aera-lighting-shoebox-ot-series-l) — Best for large lots, 30ft+ poles
- [PLB Series 300W](/p/75w-300w-aera-lighting-shoebox-plb-series) — Premium option, modern aesthetics
Light Distribution Types
- Type III: For fixtures mounted along the perimeter — pushes light forward onto the lot
- Type IV: Semi-circular forward throw — ideal for wall-mounted or edge-of-lot poles
- Type V: Circular, even distribution — for poles in the center of the lot
Energy Savings: LED vs HPS
| Old HPS | LED Replacement | Energy Saved | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250W HPS | 100W LED | 60% | $65/fixture |
| 400W HPS | 150W LED | 63% | $95/fixture |
| 750W HPS | 300W LED | 60% | $165/fixture |
| 1000W HPS | 420W LED | 58% | $215/fixture |
*Based on 12hr/day, $0.12/kWh
Dark Sky Compliance
Many municipalities require dark sky-compliant (full cutoff) fixtures that direct 100% of light downward. All Auvolar area lights are full cutoff and meet IDA dark sky standards.
Get a Free Parking Lot Lighting Design
Send us your lot dimensions and pole locations (or let us recommend pole placement), and we'll create a photometric layout showing foot-candle coverage across your entire lot.
[Request free design →](/tools/photometric-simulation) | [Call (626) 342-8856](tel:6263428856)Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
Auvolar provides free lighting design, photometric layouts, and rebate assistance for commercial projects.