High Bay vs Low Bay: How to Choose the Right Fixture
High bay or low bay is the first decision in almost every commercial lighting project, and it comes down to one number: mounting height. Choose wrong and you get glare and waste, or dim floors and shadows. This guide makes the call simple.
As a rule of thumb, low bay fixtures suit ceilings up to about 14 feet and high bay fixtures suit anything taller. The Bolt covers low bay; the Stingray and Round Bay UFO cover high bay.
It Comes Down to Height
- Up to ~14 ft: low bay (Bolt). Wider spread, lower output per fixture, no glare up close.
- ~15 to 40+ ft: high bay (Stingray or UFO). More output and beam control to carry light down.
Why It Matters
Mount a high bay too low and you overlight with glare; mount a low bay too high and the floor goes dim. Beam spread and output have to match the throw distance. See the mounting height and beam angle guide for the details and the foot-candles guide for target levels.
Pick by Space
Garages and small shops usually land low bay; warehouses, factories, and hangars land high bay. The Bolt guide and Stingray guide go deeper, and the fixture calculator sizes the job.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Tell us your ceiling height and we will spec the right fixture and layout.
Try the Fixture Calculator Call (512) 843-1383Last updated: June 2026. Consult local codes and a licensed professional for your specific project.
