We developed the grow light calculator to provide a scientific way to analyze and compare grow lights. Our calculator uses Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) along with wattage and cost to calculate the efficiency, coverage area and harvest potential of different grow light fixtures. You can enter your own data or view data for the fixtures that we have preloaded. Our Grow Light Comparison table below allows you to easily compare the key data for different grow light fixtures.
The Grow Light Calculator is part of the Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Guide. We encourage you to read our Grow Light Metrics Primer to learn what all the data means. We explain how the calculator works and the science behind our formulas in our article, “Calculating Grow Light Efficiency, Coverage & Harvest Potential”.
The new Mars Hydro TS series really is a game changer. They deliver performance that until recently was only available on models that cost 4-5 times as much. The TS series are Quantum Board style fixtures which use Epistar 3030 chips. The photon and cost efficiency of these lights forced us to reconsider everything about how we recommend grow lights. We no longer recommend HID lights to new growers because of these Mars TS series LEDs. They are an excellent value for money, and they are our top recommendation for most growers. We tested the TS 1000 model in this product line. Be sure to see our complete Field Test Report The Mars Hydro TSW 2000 is a dimmable full spectrum LED Grow Light, which offers all the same qualities as the TS 1000, with more output and coverage. It is roughly equivalent to two of the TS1000 lights. The TSW 2000 is very similar to the TSL 2000. The difference is the shape. The TSW is a square designed to cover a 3’ x 3’ space. It is ideal for 3’ x 3’ tents and grow spaces. It has an ideal flowering distance of 18” above the canopy. The data here come from a test that Shane did. These are typical results from an HPS light with a good reflector. We provide the information and the links as a representative example of a 600w HPS light for comparison. The source data for this fixture comes from integrated sphere testing by Bruce Bugbee. The Values reported as “Manufacturer’s Reported Data” Are the Total PPF numbers from that sphere testing. 10% Discount with code CCFC 8% Discount Code! CCFC 3-10% Off with code CCFC Enter Code during Checkout on Amazon! Use Code DrMJCocoPRO for 8% off the XS1500 Pro Use Code DrMJCoco for all other ViparSpectra Fixtures 8% Discount Code: CCFC Discount code CCFC will stack with other sales! 10% Discount with Code CCFC 10% Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code CCFC 10% Discount with code CCFC! Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount Code: CCFC 10% Discount! Enter code CocoLight during checkout. Use Discount Code: CCFC XS-Series 8% Discount Code: DrMJCocoXS P-Series 5% Discount Code: VPMJCoco Enter code during checkout on Amazon. 10% Discount with Code: CocoPTK 10% DISCOUNT! Use Code: CCFC Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout 10% Amazon Discount Codes – Combine with other sales! MF 1000 Code: MF1000Coco MF 2000 Code: MF2000Coco Discount Code: CocoHydra5 5% off on US Amazon, Canada Amazon, and Atreum-Lighting Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use 15% DISCOUNT Code: MF1000coco (Use code MF2000coco for the MF-2000) Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Save Money and Support CocoforCannabis Shop Mars-hydro.com and use Code: CCFC 5% Discount at Photontek-lighting with code: CocoPTK5 5% Discount with Code: CocoPTK5 Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code: CCFC TSL Horti Tech: 10% Discount PLUS Free Shipping in the Continental USA. Use Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code: CocoGeek The model that I tested is the GeekBeast Plus with LM301b 3500k + 660nm. 10% discount with code CCFC Use Discount Code: ChilledCoco The Lumatek Zeus is available at shops in Europe and UK. In the USA and Canada the Lumatek Zeus line is sold as the “Photontek X-series”. 10% Discount with code CCFC 8% Discount Code! CCFC 3-10% Off with code CCFC Enter Code during Checkout on Amazon! Use Code DrMJCocoPRO for 8% off the XS1500 Pro Use Code DrMJCoco for all other ViparSpectra Fixtures 8% Discount Code: CCFC Discount code CCFC will stack with other sales! 10% Discount with Code CCFC 10% Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code CCFC 10% Discount with code CCFC! Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount Code: CCFC 10% Discount! Enter code CocoLight during checkout. Use Discount Code: CCFC XS-Series 8% Discount Code: DrMJCocoXS P-Series 5% Discount Code: VPMJCoco Enter code during checkout on Amazon. 10% Discount with Code: CocoPTK 10% DISCOUNT! Use Code: CCFC Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout 10% Amazon Discount Codes – Combine with other sales! MF 1000 Code: MF1000Coco MF 2000 Code: MF2000Coco Discount Code: CocoHydra5 5% off on US Amazon, Canada Amazon, and Atreum-Lighting Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use 15% DISCOUNT Code: MF1000coco (Use code MF2000coco for the MF-2000) Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Use Discount code DrMJCoco at checkout Save Money and Support CocoforCannabis Shop Mars-hydro.com and use Code: CCFC 5% Discount at Photontek-lighting with code: CocoPTK5 5% Discount with Code: CocoPTK5 Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code: CCFC TSL Horti Tech: 10% Discount PLUS Free Shipping in the Continental USA. Use Discount Code: CCFC Use Discount Code: CocoGeek The model that I tested is the GeekBeast Plus with LM301b 3500k + 660nm. 10% discount with code CCFC Use Discount Code: ChilledCoco The Lumatek Zeus is available at shops in Europe and UK. In the USA and Canada the Lumatek Zeus line is sold as the “Photontek X-series”. CocoforCannabis.com/grow-light-calculator
Enter Your Own Data
CocoforCannabis.com
Grow Light Calculator
Power Draw
Cost
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingFixture Coverage
0.0
0.00
Harvest Potential
Low
Benchmark
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
Mars Hydro TSW 2000:
Shop for the Mars Hydro TSW 2000
HPS 600w (SE):
Shop for the HPS 600w (SE)
Gavita HPS 1000W DE:
Select A Preloaded Fixture
CocoforCannabis.com/grow-light-calculator
Mars Hydro SP 3000
= Field Tested
= Recommended
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
HID Fixtures
Check prices or shop for the
Cultiuana CT-800:
Power Draw
762
Measured
Usable ePPF
1690.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SE7000:
Power Draw
734
Measured
Usable ePPF
1809.8
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-1000w:
Power Draw
870
Measured
Usable ePPF
2196.4
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro:
Power Draw
153
Measured
Usable ePPF
325.8
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer G8600:
Power Draw
835
Measured
Usable ePPF
1964.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w:
Power Draw
318
Measured
Usable ePPF
674.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus:
Power Draw
777
Measured
Usable ePPF
1807
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Smart 8:
Power Draw
750
Measured
Usable ePPF
1744.4
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E3000:
Power Draw
284
Measured
Usable ePPF
655.0
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Atreum Hydra 3200:
Power Draw
316
Measured
Usable ePPF
685.3
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra KS3000:
Power Draw
298
Measured
Usable ePPF
731.1
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra KS5000:
Power Draw
488
Measured
Usable ePPF
1186.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E8000:
Power Draw
783
Measured
Usable ePPF
1829.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mogobe Octopus 300:
Power Draw
295
Measured
Usable ePPF
649.1
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-8000:
Power Draw
788
Measured
Usable ePPF
1844.6
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 4000:
Power Draw
500
Measured
Usable ePPF
1033.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek SQ 300w PRO:
Power Draw
313
Measured
Usable ePPF
681.5
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow EZ-8:
Power Draw
965
Measured
Usable PPF
2114.5
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 2000:
Power Draw
232
Measured
Usable PPF
454.9
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E4800:
Power Draw
471
Measured
Usable PPF
1081.8
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Maxsisun MF 2000:
Power Draw
218
Measured
Usable PPF
411.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000:
Power Draw
115
Measured
Usable PPF
231.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 1000:
Power Draw
117
Measured
Usable PPF
223.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Maxsisun MF-1000:
Power Draw
95.6
Measured
Usable PPF
194.4
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro TS 1000:
Power Draw
146.7
Measured
Usable PPF
242.1
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 1500:
Power Draw
153
Measured
Usable PPF
279.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Viparspectra P-1500:
Power Draw
144
Measured
Usable PPF
258
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-3000:
Power Draw
295
Measured
Usable PPF
610.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro SP 3000:
Power Draw
297
Measured
Usable PPF
630.3
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro TSL 2000:
Power Draw
286
Measured
Usable PPF
523.6
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro TSW 2000:
Power Draw
310
Cost
Estimated
Usable PPF
534
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingFixture Coverage
0.00
0.00
Harvest Potential
Low
Benchmark
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SF 2000:
Power Draw
201
Measured
Usable PPF
412.3
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum:
Power Draw
242
Measured
Usable PPF
513.8
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek X 600w PRO:
Power Draw
624
Measured
Usable PPF
1427.1
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO:
Power Draw
1012
Measured
Usable PPF
2429.1
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E6500:
Power Draw
642
Measured
Usable PPF
1557.2
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-6500:
Power Draw
710
Measured
Usable ePPF
1740.0
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SF 7000:
Power Draw
605
Measured
Usable PPF
1280.5
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Grower's Choice ROI-E720:
Power Draw
748
Measured
Usable PPF
1573.7
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Geek Light GeekBeast Plus:
Power Draw
611
Measured
Usable PPF
1484.8
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Fold 8:
Power Draw
721
Measured
Usable PPF
1627.3
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330:
Power Draw
347
Measured
Usable PPF
967.6
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro:
Power Draw
626
Cost
Measured
Usable PPF
1460.5
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost Rating
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro SP 6500:
Power Draw
630
Measured
Usable PPF
1326.4
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingMeasured
Usable PPF
1682
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingMeasured
Usable PPF
441
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingMeasured
Usable PPF
777.6
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingFixture Coverage
0.00
0.00
Harvest Potential
Low
Benchmark
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
Approximate retail price for the
Gavita HPS 1000W DE
$350 USD
Not currently available through our affiliates
Power Draw
1033
Cost
Estimated
Usable PPF
1516
Manufacturer's
Reported Data :
Usable PPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost RatingFixture Coverage
0.00
0.00
Harvest Potential
Low
Benchmark
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
Your Grow Space
Shop For Grow Lights:
Check prices or shop for the
Cultiuana CT-800:
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SE7000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-1000w:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro:
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer G8600:
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w:
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus:
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Smart 8:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E3000:
Check prices or shop for the
Atreum Hydra 3200:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra KS3000:
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ViparSpectra KS5000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E8000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mogobe Octopus 300:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-8000:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 4000:
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek SQ 300w PRO:
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow EZ-8:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 2000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E4800:
Check prices or shop for the
Maxsisun MF 2000:
Check prices or shop for the
Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 1000:
Check prices or shop for the
Maxsisun MF-1000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro TS 1000:
Check prices or shop for the
ViparSpectra XS 1500:
Check prices or shop for the
Viparspectra P-1500:
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Mars Hydro FC-3000:
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Mars Hydro SP 3000:
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Mars Hydro TSL 2000:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro TSW 2000:
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SF 2000:
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Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum:
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek X 600w PRO:
Check prices or shop for the
Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-E6500:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro FC-6500:
Check prices or shop for the
Spider Farmer SF 7000:
Check prices or shop for the
Grower's Choice ROI-E720:
Check prices or shop for the
Geek Light GeekBeast Plus:
Check prices or shop for the
Medic Grow Fold 8:
Check prices or shop for the
ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330:
Check prices or shop for the
Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro:
Check prices or shop for the
Mars Hydro SP 6500:
Check prices or shop for the
Mammoth 10 Bar:
Check prices or shop for the
Omega CMH 315w:
Check prices or shop for the
HPS 600w (SE):
Approximate retail price for the
Gavita HPS 1000W DE
$350 USD
Not currently available through our affiliates
Shop for the
Grow Lights:
Use code: CCFC
Grow Light Comparison Table
Light Fixture
Usable PPF (µmol)
Photon Efficiency (µmol/w)
Cost
Cost Efficiency ($/µmol)
Power Draw (watts)
Benchmark Harvest (grams)
Coverage (Sq. Feet)
Fixtures Needed
Total Cost
Click "Compare" in the calculators above to add grow light data to this chart.
CocoforCannabis.com/grow-light-calculator
CocoforCannabis.com/grow-light-calculator
Calculated
PPF
Power
Draw
Cost
Usable
PPF
0
EstimatedUsable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost
Efficiency
$0.00
Cost badgeFixture
Coverage
0.0
0.00
Harvest
Potential
00 - 00
0.0 - 0.0
CocoforCannabis.com
The Science and Practice of Growing Cannabis
CocoforCannabis.com/grow-light-calculator
Usable PPF
0
Cost
Power Draw
0
Usable ePPE
0.0
Efficiency RatingCost Efficiency
$0.00
Cost badgeManufacturer's
Reported Data :
Fixture
Coverage
0.0
0.00
Harvest
Potential
00 - 00
0.0 - 0.0
CocoforCannabis.com
The Science and Practice of Growing Cannabis
Using the Grow Light Calculator
You can enter data about any grow light fixture. However, in order to get an accurate calculation, it is important to understand the data and conversion factors. Watch the video and read below to learn about the PPF data that you need, where to find it and how to use it in the calculator.
Grow Light Calculator Video Tutorial
Enter the PPF or Photon Efficiency
In order to calculate efficiency, coverage and harvest potential we need to use Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) data. If you have a light fixture in mind, look for PPF or Photon Efficiency (PPE) data in the manufacturer’s literature or on their website. Manufacturers of high efficiency lights will usually report this data because it is a selling point. For most grow lights, PPF values are between 100 and 1500 µmol. Photon efficiency values are usually between 1.00 and 3.00 µmol/w.
PPF (Not PPFD)
PPF values are often called “PAR Value” or “Total PAR”. They measure the total amount of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) that a fixture will produce. This data will be reported as “µmol” or “µmol/s”. You can enter this data in the Grow Light Calculator in the field labeled “µmol”.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers of low-quality lights do not report PPF data. They instead try to manipulate Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) data to convince growers that the lights are more powerful than they are. PPFD is a measure of the density rather than the quantity of photons. The data reported in PAR maps is PPFD data. PPFD values are properly reported as µmol/m2/s. If you see the “m2” in the label, then it is PPFD data which cannot be used in the Grow Light Calculator.
Use Photon Efficiency Data
It is more common to find a Photon Efficiency rating. Photon Efficiency is often abbreviated as “PPE”. It is a number usually between 1.00 µmol/w and 3.00 µmol/w. The label may say µmol/w or µmol/j, there is no difference. We can use photon efficiency ratings instead of PPF values in the calculator.
Photon Efficiency is simply the PPF divided by the power draw. Enter this value into the field labeled “µmol/w”. The calculator will multiply the photon efficiency by the number of watts to estimate the PPF in µmol.
Read more about Grow Light Metrics in our Grow Light Metrics Primer.
Select Calculated, Total or Usable PPF
There are three ways that PPF values are measured or calculated. PPF values may be a “Calculated PPF”, or they may be measurements of “Total PPF” or “Usable PPF”. In our grow light calculator, you can select which type of PPF data that you want to input. The default is set to “Calculated PPF” because this is the data that most manufacturers provide. If you click on the drop-down menu, you can select Total PPF or Usable PPF.
If you are using manufacturer’s data, you should assume that it is a calculated value. This is most obvious when the PPF data that they report is directly related to the efficiency of the LED diodes that they use. Several manufacturers of high-end LEDs publish data from lab testing. You should select “Total PPF” if you are using data from lab testing. The data from our field test reports are Usable PPF values, however manufacturers generally do not publish Usable PPF data.
When you select “Calculated PPF” or “Total PPF”, we use our formulas to estimate the Usable PPF. When you select “Usable PPF” we do not make any adjustments. The calculator will report the new PPF value as the “Estimated Usable PPF”. All other calculations for efficiency, coverage and harvest potential are then based on the Estimated Usable PPF.
Read about the science behind our formulas in our article, “Calculating Grow Light Efficiency, Coverage & Harvest Potential”.
Questions about the Grow Light Calculator?
If you have questions about the metrics and what they mean, please see our Grow Light Metrics Primer. If you have questions about how to use the calculator or our calculations, efficiency ratings, or formulas, please see our article, “Calculating Grow Light Efficiency, Coverage & Harvest Potential”. If you want to learn about our grow light testing procedures, check out our Grow Light Testing Protocol.
Still have questions, or want to discuss? Start a thread in our Grower’s Forum or come chat with us in our Live Cannabis Chatroom!
The Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Guide
Grow Light Tests and Reviews
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
- ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro
- Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1000
- Maxsisun MF-1000
- Mars Hydro TS 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1500
- Viparspectra P-1500
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
- Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w
- Mars Hydro FC-E3000
- Atreum Hydra 3200
- ViparSpectra KS3000
- Mogobe Octopus 300
- Photontek SQ 300w PRO
- ViparSpectra XS 2000
- Maxsisun MF 2000
- Mars Hydro FC-3000
- Mars Hydro SP 3000
- Mars Hydro TSL 2000
- Spider Farmer SF 2000
- Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
- Cultiuana CT-800
- Spider Farmer SE7000
- Mars Hydro FC-1000w
- Spider Farmer G8600
- Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus
- Medic Grow Smart 8
- ViparSpectra KS5000
- Mars Hydro FC-E8000
- Mars Hydro FC-8000
- ViparSpectra XS 4000
- Medic Grow EZ-8
- Mars Hydro FC-E4800
- Photontek X 600w PRO
- Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO
- Mars Hydro FC-E6500
- Mars Hydro FC-6500
- Spider Farmer SF 7000
- Grower's Choice ROI-E720
- Geek Light GeekBeast Plus
- Medic Grow Fold 8
- ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330
- Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro
- Mars Hydro SP 6500
- Mammoth 10 Bar
HID Fixtures
- Omega CMH 315w
Unbiased Testing and Reviews
This guide is an independent resource for growers. We do not accept advertising and do not receive compensation from manufacturers for testing or for including their fixtures in our guide. We will always report accurate information and give our honest evaluation of each fixture.
You can support our work by following our links when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, we have no financial interest in promoting any particular brand of light. Our recommendations are based on the science, testing and our honest evaluation. We want to equip you with the knowledge and information so that you can make the best grow light decision for your cannabis grow.