Warehouse Lighting: How Many High Bays Do I Need? (Free Calculator)
Calculate exact high bay fixture count for your warehouse. Covers UFO vs linear, mounting height, aisle lighting, and IES standards with free AI calculator.
"How many high bay lights do I need?" is the #1 question warehouse managers ask when planning a lighting upgrade. The answer depends on ceiling height, area size, racking layout, and what work happens on the floor. Here's how to calculate it — or let AI do it for you.
Quick Calculator
Formula: Fixtures = (Area sq ft × Target FC) / (Lumens per fixture × CU × LLF) Typical values:- Target FC: 20-30 (general warehouse), 50 (detailed tasks)
- CU (Coefficient of Utilization): 0.55-0.65 for warehouse
- LLF (Light Loss Factor): 0.80
- Need: 50,000 × 30 = 1,500,000 total lumens
- Per fixture (200W UFO): ~32,000 lumens
- With CU & LLF: 1,500,000 / (32,000 × 0.60 × 0.80) = 98 fixtures
Or use [LightSpec AI](https://www.auvolar.com/tools/lightspec-ai) — enter your warehouse dimensions and get an instant fixture count with layout.
UFO High Bay vs Linear High Bay for Warehouses
UFO High Bay — Best for Open Spaces
- Round, compact design
- Wide beam angle (90°-120°)
- Best for: open floor plans, manufacturing, distribution centers
- Spacing: 15-20 ft between fixtures at 20-30 ft height
- Auvolar range: 100W-240W ($69-$139)
Linear High Bay — Best for Aisle Lighting
- Elongated, directional light
- Focused beam down aisles
- Best for: racking warehouses, narrow aisles, retail stockrooms
- Mounting: directly above aisles
- Auvolar range: 100W-320W ($85-$175)
When to Use Which?
| Warehouse Type | Best Fixture | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open floor (distribution) | UFO High Bay | Wide, even coverage |
| Racking aisles | Linear High Bay | Directional, reaches floor between racks |
| Manufacturing | UFO High Bay | High CRI, wide coverage |
| Cold storage | UFO High Bay | Better sealed against moisture |
| Mixed use | Combination | UFO for open areas + Linear for aisles |
Mounting Height Guide
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Wattage | Spacing |
|---------------|--------------------|---------|
| 15-20 ft | 100-150W | 12-16 ft |
| 20-25 ft | 150-200W | 15-20 ft |
| 25-30 ft | 200-240W | 18-22 ft |
| 30-40 ft | 240-320W | 20-25 ft |
Energy Savings: MH to LED Warehouse Retrofit
50,000 sq ft warehouse, 100 fixtures, 12 hrs/day:| Metal Halide (400W) | LED High Bay (200W) | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power per fixture | 458W (w/ ballast) | 200W | 56% |
| Annual kWh | 200,292 | 87,600 | 112,692 kWh |
| Annual cost ($0.18/kWh) | $36,053 | $15,768 | $20,285/yr |
| Payback | — | ~8 months | — |
Tips for Best Results
[Calculate your warehouse lighting now with LightSpec AI →](https://www.auvolar.com/tools/lightspec-ai)
Related Reading
- [Foot-Candle Requirements by Application](/blog/foot-candle-requirements-by-application) — IES standards for every space type
- [LED vs Metal Halide Comparison](/blog/led-vs-metal-halide-comparison) — Side-by-side cost & performance data
- [How to Calculate LED ROI](/blog/led-lighting-roi-calculator-guide) — Payback period formulas with examples
- [DLC Certification Explained](/blog/dlc-certification-explained) — Why DLC Premium matters for rebates
Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
Auvolar provides free lighting design, photometric layouts, and rebate assistance for commercial projects.
Auvolar Engineering Team
City of Industry, California
Our engineering team has 15+ years of combined experience in commercial LED lighting design, photometric analysis, and energy-efficient building systems. We hold DLC QPL listing expertise and work directly with California utilities on rebate qualification. All technical content is reviewed by licensed electrical engineers.