Colour Rendering (CRI) Explained

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of a light source's ability to reproduce colors faithfully, as compared to a reference light source of the same color temperature. A CRI value is expressed as a number on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better color rendering ability.

CRI is an important consideration when selecting lighting sources for applications where color quality is important, such as in art galleries, museums, retail stores, medical facilities, and photography studios. In these applications, it is critical that colors are reproduced accurately and with minimal distortion.

A CRI of 70 is considered moderate and is suitable for applications where color rendering is not critical, such as in warehouses, outdoor lighting, or industrial settings. However, colors may appear slightly distorted or inaccurate.

A CRI of 80 is considered good and is suitable for most general lighting applications, such as in homes, offices, and schools. Colors appear relatively accurate and natural, with some minor color distortion.

A CRI of 90 is considered excellent and is suitable for applications where high-quality color rendering is important, such as in museums, art galleries, or high-end retail stores. Colors appear very accurate and natural, with little to no color distortion.

A CRI of 98 is considered exceptional and is suitable for the most demanding applications, such as in surgical suites, color matching applications, or in industries where color accuracy is critical. Colors appear extremely accurate and natural, with virtually no color distortion.

It's important to note that a high CRI does not necessarily mean a high-quality light source, as there are other factors to consider such as color temperature, luminous flux, and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice of CRI will depend on the specific application and the importance of color accuracy.