Light
What is CRI or Ra, and which value should I choose?
Short answer
CRI (or Ra) shows how natural colours look. Since 1 September 2021 most lamps in the EU must reach at least 80.
Explanation
Light that lacks part of the spectrum makes colours look flatter or different. The colour rendering index compares a lamp with a reference light. The ecodesign Regulation 2019/2020 sets a minimum. The office standard asks for the same minimum for desk work.
Rules of thumb
- The minimum requirement has applied since 1 September 2021. [SW-S01]
- EU minimum: CRI 80 for most light sources. [SW-S01]
- Office reference for desk work: Ra at least 80. [SW-S05]
- If you judge colours critically (cooking, painting, make-up) you can choose a higher value than the minimum. (practical tip, not a source value)
Pitfalls
- A high lumen value says nothing about colour rendering; look at both. [SW-S01]
Search terms
These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.
Read also
- How many lumens replace an old incandescent bulb?
- How many lux do I need for reading or working from home?
General information, not personal advice. Check the source and reference date.
Sources
- SW-S01 Verordening (EU) 2019/2020 — ecologisch ontwerp lichtbronnen — Europese Commissie (EUR-Lex) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
- SW-S05 Praktijkgids voor verlichting van binnenwerkplekken (NBN EN 12464-1:2021) — IBE-BIV (Belgisch Instituut voor Verlichting) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.