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How Many Under Cabinet Lights Do I Need?
Working out how many under cabinet lights you need is mainly about the length of the area you want to illuminate, the type of fitting you choose and how even you want the finished light to look.
There is no single number that suits every kitchen, but you can get to a sensible starting point quickly by planning the illuminated worktop first and then spacing the fittings evenly across it.
Quick answer
For compact puck-style fittings, a useful starting point is to space the lights evenly across the worktop area. With fittings such as the Loops Aurelia range, around 250–300mm between light centres is a sensible starting point. Move them closer together if you want a stronger, more continuous pool of task light.
How do I calculate how many under cabinet lights I need?
Start by measuring the length of the worktop or cabinet run you actually want to illuminate.
Then choose the fitting style and look at how closely you want the pools of light to overlap. A tighter spacing gives a more continuous lighting effect, while wider spacing uses fewer fittings but makes each individual pool of light more visible.
1. Measure the illuminated run
Measure the section of worktop you actually want lit rather than simply counting the number of cabinet doors.
2. Choose the fitting
Different fittings have different outputs, shapes and beam patterns, so spacing should be based on the light you plan to use.
3. Lay the fittings out evenly
Aim for even spacing across the full worktop run so you do not end up with bright and dark patches between cabinets.
4. Test before fixing
Temporarily position the lights and switch them on before fixing them permanently. Small spacing changes can make a noticeable difference.
Should I use one light per cabinet?
Not necessarily.
Using one light for every cabinet door can work in some layouts, but it is not the best way to plan every kitchen. Cabinet widths vary, some runs include corner units or wide drawers, and the most useful light is the light that lands evenly across the worktop.
It is better to treat the worktop as one illuminated area and then distribute the fittings evenly across it.
How far apart should under cabinet lights be?
The correct spacing depends on the fitting.
For compact puck-style fittings such as the Loops Aurelia range, 250–300mm between light centres is a useful starting point. If you want stronger overlap between each pool of light, move the fittings closer together.
Do not assume the same spacing applies to every product. Larger fittings, linear lights and LED strip all distribute light differently.
If you are planning the physical position as well as the quantity, see:
Where Should Under Cabinet Lights Be Positioned?
How many lights do I need for a 1 metre run?
There is no universal answer because the correct number depends on the fitting and the effect you want.
As a planning example, if a compact fitting is being spaced at roughly 250–300mm centres, a 1 metre worktop run will usually need several fittings rather than one or two widely separated lights.
The exact quantity should then be adjusted so the first and last lights sit sensibly within the run and the spacing between all fittings remains visually balanced.
What if my kitchen has several separate cabinet runs?
Treat each separate run as its own lighting area.
For example, if you have one run beside the hob and another on the opposite side of the kitchen, measure and plan each section independently rather than trying to force one spacing pattern across the whole room.
If you want those areas switched or controlled independently, they may be better planned as separate lighting zones.
The Loops 24V Project Builder supports multi-zone projects and can match the driver, required distribution and compatible control options for each zone.
Explore the Loops 24V Under Cabinet Lighting System & Project Builder
Do brighter lights mean I need fewer fittings?
Sometimes, but not always.
A brighter fitting may allow wider spacing, but total light output is only part of the picture. The beam pattern and how evenly the light is distributed across the worktop matter too.
Two installations with the same total lumens can look very different if one has large dark gaps between fittings and the other has better overlap.
What about linear lights?
Linear fittings provide a broader strip of light than a compact puck fitting, so they are usually planned by the length and placement of each fitting rather than by a simple centre-to-centre spacing rule.
This can make them useful where you want a more continuous-looking line of light beneath the cabinet.
Browse Linear / Rectangular Under Cabinet Lights
What about LED strip?
LED strip is planned differently again because the light source runs continuously along the cabinet rather than coming from separate individual fittings.
Instead of counting individual lights, you normally plan the total strip length required and where the strip will be positioned.
Should I add more lights for stronger task lighting?
If the chosen fitting suits the installation, reducing the spacing between fittings can give stronger overlap and a more continuous pool of light over the worktop.
That is usually a better approach than placing a small number of lights very far apart and relying on each fitting to cover a large area.
However, you should still check the individual product output and avoid assuming that more fittings are always necessary.
A simple planning method
1. Measure the worktop area you want to illuminate.
2. Choose the fitting style and check its output and mounting method.
3. Space the fittings evenly across the complete illuminated run.
4. Move them closer if you want stronger overlap and a more continuous effect.
5. Test the layout with the lights switched on before fixing them permanently.
6. Build the system once you are happy with the fitting quantity and layout.
If you are using the Loops 24V system, the Project Builder can then match the required driver, distribution and controls to the quantity of lights selected for each zone.