The color rendering index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of the ability of an artificial light source to reproduce the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with natural sunlight. Sunlight was defined as an ideal light source and having a CRI of 100.
When making CRI comparison for any kind of light source, suggest choosing the same color for the lights being compared, so it will be easier to determine the results.
For purchase and installation of white LED lights, we would recommend a CRI over 90. However, is some projects, a minimum of CR 85 is also acceptable. A brief explanation of CRI ranges are as follows:
-CRI 95-100 - Excellent colour rendering. Skin tones look stunning, subtle tones stand out and are emphasized, artwork comes to life, and paint and backsplashes display their real colours. It is commonly used in residential applications, high-end retail settings, printing and painting facilities, design hotels, and exhibition spaces where vivid natural colour are required.
-CRI 90 - 95 - Wonderful colour rendering. Nearly all colours stand out and are distinct from one another. At a CRI of 90, illumination becomes noticeably excellent. Your kitchen's newly placed teal backsplash will appear stunning, bright, and fully saturated. Visitors start complimenting your kitchen's counters, paint, and details, but they don't realize that the lighting is mostly to blame for its stunning appearance.
-CRI 80 - 90 - Most colours are portrayed well in good colour rendering. Suitable for the majority of commercial needs. It's possible that some details won't appear as saturated as you'd like.
-Lighting with a CRI of less 80 is regarded as having poor colour reproduction. When viewed in this light, objects and colours may appear dull, desaturated, and occasionally unrecognizable (for example, it could be difficult to distinguish between black and navy-coloured socks). It would be challenging to tell comparable colours apart.
See the Color rendering index sample as below on fruits.