1. What is Correlated Color Temperature?

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) describes the color appearance of light emitted by a source, measured in Kelvin (K). It indicates whether the light appears warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish) to the human eye.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the CCT estimation formula:

Where:

• \( x \) — CIE x chromaticity coordinate
• \( y \) — CIE y chromaticity coordinate
• 0.3320 — Empirical constant
• 0.1858 — Empirical coefficient

Explanation: This formula estimates the correlated color temperature from CIE chromaticity coordinates, providing a mathematical relationship between color coordinates and temperature in Kelvin.

3. Importance of CCT Calculation

Details: Accurate CCT calculation is crucial for lighting design, display calibration, color matching in photography and cinematography, and ensuring consistent color appearance across different light sources.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter CIE x and y chromaticity coordinates as decimal values between 0 and 1. Both values must be valid and within the CIE chromaticity diagram range.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range of CCT values?
A: Common CCT values range from 2000K (warm candlelight) to 6500K (daylight) and beyond, with higher values appearing cooler/bluer.

Q2: How accurate is this estimation formula?
A: This formula provides a reasonable estimate for many applications, but for precise colorimetric work, more complex algorithms or lookup tables may be required.

Q3: What are CIE chromaticity coordinates?
A: CIE x,y coordinates define a color's position in the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, representing the color independent of luminance.

Q4: When is this calculation most useful?
A: This calculation is particularly useful for lighting designers, display engineers, photographers, and anyone working with color management and light source characterization.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The formula may be less accurate for colors far from the blackbody locus or for very high or very low color temperatures outside typical lighting ranges.