Want to quickly know which UGR value is suitable for an office? For office work and screen work, a maximum value of UGR <19 is generally maintained in practice. This is important because too much glare causes restless work environments, strained eyes, and less visual comfort. Therefore, the UGR value helps you not only in choosing a fixture, but especially in creating pleasant light in the workspace.
On this page, you can read what UGR means exactly, which standard is often used for office lighting, and what you need to pay attention to when choosing LED panels, downlights, or linear fixtures for an office environment.
Why glare in the office is immediately noticeable
In an office, employees look at screens, documents, and colleagues at the table for long periods. It is precisely in this environment that glare is quickly noticed.A fixture that is too prominently in view, a shiny desk, or reflection on a monitor can already be enough to experience the light as unpleasant. The consequence is often squinting, becoming fatigued more quickly, or unconsciously adopting a different seating posture.
That is why office lighting is about more than just providing sufficient light. It also needs to be comfortable. A low UGR value helps to limit annoying glare from the light source and makes the room easier on the eyes. Especially during screen work, this is an important part of a good lighting plan.
What the UGR value means
UGR stands for Unified Glare Rating. It is a measure of the degree of glare that lighting in a room can cause. The lower the UGR value, the smaller the chance that users will experience bothersome bright light. The higher the value, the greater the chance of visual unrest and discomfort.
It is important to know that UGR is not a fixed product rating that always remains the same. The value depends on the situation in which a luminaire is applied. Think of the viewing direction, the position of the user, the brightness of the room, and the way the luminaire is shielded. Manufacturers therefore often state a UGR value for a standard setup, but in actual office design, the total room always counts.
How the UGR value is determined
The UGR value is calculated based on multiple factors within the room. Not only the light source itself plays a role, but also the surrounding environment. As a result, the exact same luminaire may feel more comfortable in one office than in another.
Viewing direction and direct glare
The position of the user is one of the most important factors.If you look directly into a fixture, the risk of direct glare is greater than when the light source falls outside the normal line of sight. At desks, meeting tables, and flexible workspaces, you must therefore always consider the seating height, viewing direction, and placement of the fixtures relative to the screen and walking routes.
Reflections from screens and surfaces
Glare occurs not only directly from the light source, but also indirectly via reflection. White walls, glossy desk surfaces, glass walls, and computer screens can reflect light back towards the eye. In a sleekly finished office with many light materials, this may require extra attention. The finish of the ceiling, floor, and walls therefore directly influences how comfortably the light is ultimately experienced.
Fixture, shielding, and placement
The type of fixture also makes a significant difference.A well-shielded LED panel with a microprismatic diffuser generally produces less glare than an open and bright fixture. In addition, the distribution within the room plays a role. Too few fixtures with high brightness often cause more discomfort than a balanced setup with well-distributed light. Therefore, when considering office lighting, you should look not only at wattage or lumen output, but also specifically at shielding, light distribution, and mounting position.
Which standard applies to office lighting?
For indoor workstations in the Netherlands, NEN-EN 12464-1 is frequently referenced as the workplace lighting standard. This standard provides guidelines for visual comfort in indoor workplaces, including maximum UGR values per type of room or visual task. For offices, the UGR <19 limit is particularly well-known, as it is suited for long-term work and screen use. You can find more background information in Workplace lighting: standards and guidelines.
The values below are often used as a practical guideline. The exact requirement always depends on the function of the space and the visual task.
| Space or application | Maximum UGR guideline value |
|---|---|
| Office work and meeting room | <19 |
| Technical drawing | <16 |
| Reception or desk | <22 |
| Archive or storage room | <25 |
| Corridor or circulation area | <28 |
This immediately shows why not every space in a building has the same requirement. In a corridor, you walk through the space briefly, whereas at a desk, you work with concentrated vision for hours on end.Precisely why the UGR requirement should be tailored to the use of the space.
UGR is important, but not the entire lighting plan
A low UGR value is a strong starting point, but not the only requirement for good office lighting. How many lumens and lux you need per room, the uniformity of the light, which light color is suitable, and the quality of the driver also play a role. Especially with LED lighting, you also want to pay attention to stable light without annoying flicker, as this also affects eye comfort during long working days.
In other words: UGR mainly tells you something about glare, not about the complete lighting experience. A good office design therefore combines sufficient light on the work surface with a low risk of direct view and reflection.
How to choose the right office fixtures
When selecting Office lighting , it is wise not to compare solely on price or size.Be sure to pay close attention to the product specifications and the space where the fixture will be installed. Whether you are working with open-plan offices, individual workstations, or meeting rooms, you want fixtures that suit that specific use. For uniform, comfortable ambient lighting, you will find suitable options under Office ceiling lighting.
- Check whether a low UGR value is specified for the application, such as UGR <19.
- Choose fixtures with good shielding, such as micro-prismatic LED panels or high-quality linear fixtures.
- Pay attention to reflective materials in the room, such as glass, light-colored walls, and glossy desks.
- Position fixtures to minimize direct glare from desks and screens as much as possible.
- For larger projects, have a custom lighting plan or lighting calculation made to ensure that comfort and light levels are perfectly balanced.
Hesitating between multiple solutions? Technical advice is often faster and more cost-effective than making adjustments afterwards. You can find more practical tips in Office lights: the best way to illuminate your workspace. At LedLoket , we also help businesses and installers with personal advice, a free commercial lighting calculation, and a suitable proposal for office projects. Thanks to our wide range and direct delivery from our own stock, you can quickly get started afterwards.
Frequently asked questions about UGR and office lighting
What is a good UGR value for an office?
For office work and screen work, a UGR of <19 is generally maintained. That level helps to limit glare in areas where people work with concentration for long periods.
What is the UGR value of lighting and what does it mean?
The UGR value indicates how much annoying glare lighting in a room can cause. The lower the value, the more comfortable the light is generally experienced.
What are the requirements for lighting in a workplace?
A workplace not only requires an appropriate UGR value, but also a sufficient light level, good uniformity, and pleasant light for the task being performed there. For offices, NEN-EN 12464-1 is often consulted for this purpose.
Are all LED panels automatically UGR <19?
No. Not every LED panel is automatically suitable for office workplaces. Always check the product specifications, as shielding, diffuser, and application determine whether a fixture truly suits an office environment.
Where can I find the UGR rating of a fixture?
The UGR rating is usually stated in the product specifications or datasheet of the fixture. Please note that this is often a value for a specific setup and therefore cannot be viewed independently of the room itself.
Personalized advice for your office project
Would you like to choose office lighting that is not only energy-efficient, but also comfortable for employees? We are happy to help you with practical and technical advice. From our showroom and own inventory in Denekamp, Overijssel, we support both individual purchases and complete business projects. Think of LED panels, downlights, linear systems, and a lighting calculation that matches the room, the workspaces, and the desired UGR requirement.
