CCT stands for correlated color temperature (often shortened to color temperature). It defines color, not the brightness of a light source, and is measured in Kelvins (K) rather than degrees Kelvin (°K).

Each type of white light has its own hue, falling somewhere on the amber to blue spectrum. Low CCT is on the amber end of the color spectrum, while high CCT is on the bluish-white end of the spectrum.

For reference, standard incandescent bulbs are about 3000K, while some newer cars have bright white Xenon headlights that are 6000K.

On the low end, “warm” lighting, such as candlelight or incandescent lighting, creates a relaxed, cozy feeling. At the higher end, “cool” light is uplifting and uplifting, like a clear blue sky. Color temperature creates atmosphere, affects people’s moods, and can change the way our eyes perceive details.

specify color temperature

Color temperature should be specified in Kelvin (K) temperature scale units. We use Kelvin on our website and spec sheets because it’s a very precise way of listing color temperature.

While terms such as warm white, natural white, and daylight are often used to describe color temperature, this approach can cause problems because there is no absolute definition of their precise CCT (K) values.

For example, the term “warm white” may be used by some to describe a 2700K LED light, but the term may also be used by others to describe a 4000K light!

Popular color temperature descriptors and their approximations. K value:

Extra Warm White           2700K

Warm White                      3000K

Neutral White                    4000K

Cool White                          5000K

Daylight                                6000K