Light Level Estimator
Translate a lux reading or window into a real light category for plants.
Match the plant to your real light
"Bright indirect light" is the most-repeated phrase in plant care and the least understood. Our eyes adjust automatically, so a spot that looks bright to you can be dim for a plant. A quick lux reading, or even just your window direction, gives you a far more honest picture.
The light bands used here
- Low light: under ~800 lux
- Medium / bright indirect: ~800-2,000 lux
- Bright indirect (high): ~2,000-10,000 lux
- Direct sun: over ~10,000 lux
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a lux reading?
Most free phone "light meter" apps read lux using the front camera/ambient sensor. Hold the phone at the plant’s location, facing the same way the leaves face, around midday on a normal day for a representative reading.
What’s the difference between lux and foot-candles?
They measure the same thing in different units: 1 foot-candle ≈ 10.76 lux. Plant care guides use both, so this calculator shows you the reading in both and translates it into a plain-English light level.
More plant calculators
-
Plants per Room
Estimate how many plants a room needs for a noticeable green boost.
Open the calculator →
-
Frost / Outside Check
Check tonight’s low against your plant’s cold tolerance before moving it out.
Open the calculator →
-
Watering Schedule
How often (and how much) to water, based on your pot, light, and season.
Open the calculator →
