What Is the Difference Between UGR16 and UGR19 in LED Ceiling Panels?

The difference between UGR16 and UGR19 is the degree of glare control and the type of space each suits. Both are low-glare solutions, but they sit at different points on the visual-comfort scale and should be chosen according to how demanding the visual task is.

What does UGR mean?
UGR (Unified Glare Rating) indicates the level of discomfort glare produced by a lighting installation in an indoor space. It’s widely used in schools, offices, healthcare and other commercial settings where visual comfort matters. Lower numbers mean better glare control.

UGR19 or UGR16 – which do you need?
UGR19 is the accepted benchmark for most commercial and educational environments. It’s often considered the limit between comfort and discomfort and, when used in a well-designed scheme, supports prolonged screen use, reading and general office work with reduced eye strain. It’s the common choice for offices, classrooms, libraries and meeting rooms to comply with BS EN 12464-1.

UGR16 provides even tighter glare suppression for spaces with higher visual demands, such as design studios, laboratories and healthcare areas where precision and extended focus are critical. The numerical difference looks small, but in practice UGR16 can feel noticeably calmer during long, detailed or screen-based tasks.

Summary of typical use
• UGR16: Very high glare control and visual comfort. Typical in design studios, labs, healthcare and precision/technical spaces.
• UGR19: Appropriate glare control for most tasks. Typical in offices, schools, libraries and meeting rooms.

Choosing between the two should be based on the visual tasks and expectations of the space: use UGR16 where concentration and clarity are paramount; choose UGR19 for general commercial lighting where comfort and efficiency must be balanced.

What about UGR22 and higher?
UGR22 produces significantly more glare and is generally unsuitable for prolonged visual or screen work. It can be acceptable in short-stay or low-demand areas such as corridors, circulation zones, storage, plant rooms or some industrial spaces. Higher values (UGR25+) indicate increasing discomfort and are rarely specified for occupied commercial interiors. In practice, most specifications focus on UGR16 and UGR19.

General Q&A

Which UGR rating is best for offices?
UGR19 is the widely accepted choice for most offices and supports screen use and general tasks without undue eye strain. Premium offices or spaces with intensive screen work may benefit from UGR16.

What should classrooms have?
Typically UGR19. Where pupils spend long periods concentrating or where visual clarity is crucial, UGR16 can further reduce glare.

Is UGR16 “better” than UGR19?
It offers greater glare control, but it’s not always necessary. Use UGR16 for demanding visual tasks; UGR19 is sufficient and most common for general spaces.

Can UGR19 lighting still cause glare?
A correctly designed UGR19 scheme should not cause discomfort. Glare issues usually stem from poor layout, mounting height, or highly reflective finishes. UGR is a property of the whole installation, not a single fitting.

Do LED ceiling panels have a UGR rating?
Yes. Many panels are designed to achieve UGR<19; some higher-spec models target UGR16. The stated rating assumes appropriate spacing, mounting and room reflectances.

Is UGR relevant to downlights?
Yes. Downlights and linear luminaires can be selected and arranged to meet a target UGR. Low-glare downlights often use deeper recessing or accessories to control brightness.

Does UGR apply to a single luminaire?
Not exactly. UGR is calculated for the entire installation within a defined room. A luminaire labelled “UGR<19” is designed to help achieve that result, but the final rating depends on layout, room size, reflectances and viewing directions.

For more information on What Is the Difference Between UGR16 and UGR19 in LED Ceiling Panels? talk to Expert Electrical Supplies Ltd