CRI vs CCT in LED Lighting: What is the Difference?

When selecting an LED light for your project, you probably check specifications like lumens and wattage. However, you may also come across some details that do not make sense. Consider CRI, for instance. What does it mean, and how is it different from CCT?

What is CRI in LED Light? 

CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index, and it is a gauge of how well the lighting represents the true colour of objects as compared to natural lighting.  

The CRI scale has a range of 0 to 100, with zero being least likely to show the natural colour of objects under sunlight, and 100 being the most realistic colour representation.  

Typical LED lights available in the market have a range of CRI 80 to 90; with CRI 80 being commonly used for general lighting.  

What is CCT in LED Light? 

CCT means Colour Correlated Temperature, and it indicates the hue or tone of your LED light. They are usually expressed in numerical values that ends with K (Kelvins), i.e., 2700K to 6500K. The hue usually varies from warm yellow to bright vivid white and is the actual colour emitted by the LED lights. The lower the Ks, the warmer the tone of your LED light, the higher the Ks, the cooler it is.  

For a more detailed explanation of CCT, you may want to check our previous blog here.  

CRI vs CCT in LED Lighting  

To simplify the difference between CRI and CCT – CRI is the value that will show you the true colour of objects as they were under daylight, while CCT indicates the appearance of your light source itself. 

For home and office use, you may find LED lights with at least CRI 80 range enough for daily tasks. However, some specialised applications; like art galleries, studios, healthcare, hospitality and public spaces; require higher CRI (90 or above) either for safety or better visual clarity and aesthetics.  

Are you struggling to find the right LED light for your project? Call our LEDSA experts at 1800 632 693 or email us led-supplies-australia@admtech.com.au for assistance.