Red light therapy dose calculator
A red light therapy dose is the total energy delivered to your body during a session, measured in joules per square centimetre (J/cm²). Your dose depends on three things: the power of your device, how far away you hold it, and how long your session lasts. Use this calculator to find your exact dose, or enter a target dose to find out how long your session should be.
mW/cm²
Select your distance
min
sec
or enter a target dose
J/cm²
Irradiance at distance
Session time
Studies generally show that 4 to 10 J/cm² is effective for applications on the outside of the body, and 10 to 60 J/cm² for applications inside the body.
This calculator is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a medical device, does not provide medical advice, and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Dose calculations are based on measured and estimated irradiance data and may vary depending on individual device performance, ambient conditions, and measurement methodology. The dose ranges referenced are drawn from published red light therapy research and do not constitute treatment recommendations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new wellness routine. Red Light Rising accepts no liability for decisions made based on the output of this calculator.
Red Light Rising device irradiance (measured)
| Device | Wavelengths | Irradiance at 15 cm (mW/cm²) | Measurement method | Time to 10 J/cm² at 15 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Light 670 | 660 nm | 78.06 | LIA Laboratory | 2 min 8 sec |
| Target Light 2.0 | 660 nm + 850 nm | 99.56 | LIA Laboratory | 1 min 40 sec |
| Target Light 3.0 | 660 nm + 850 nm | 15.3 | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 10 min 53 sec |
| Target Light 4.0 | 660 nm + 850 nm | 382.5 | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 26 sec |
| Advantage 450 | 660 nm + 850 nm | 86.4 | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 1 min 56 sec |
| Advantage 900 | 660 nm + 850 nm | 86.4 | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 1 min 56 sec |
| Half Stack | 660 nm + 850 nm | 57.0 | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 2 min 55 sec |
| Advantage Wrap | 660 nm + 850 nm | 43.1 (at contact) | Hopoocolor OHSP-350F | 3 min 52 sec |
Estimated irradiance at distance (panels)
| Device | 15 cm | 30 cm | 45 cm | 65 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Light 4.0 | 382.5 | 328.6 | 252.5 | 168.3 |
| Advantage 450 | 86.4 | 74.2 | 57.0 | 38.0 |
| Advantage 900 | 86.4 | 74.2 | 57.0 | 38.0 |
| Half Stack | 57.0 | 48.9 | 37.6 | 25.1 |
Estimated irradiance at distance (handhelds)
| Device | 5 cm | 15 cm | 30 cm | 45 cm | 65 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Light 670 | 113.2 | 78.06 | 38.3 | 18.7 | 10.9 |
| Target Light 2.0 | 144.4 | 99.56 | 48.8 | 23.9 | 13.9 |
| Target Light 3.0 | 34.0(measured) | 15.3 | 7.5 | 3.7 | 2.1 |
All measurements at 15 cm are from laboratory grade equipment. Values marked (measured) are direct spectrometer readings at that distance. All other values are estimated using power law decay models derived from multi-distance LIA laboratory measurements.
A dose in red light therapy is the total energy delivered to your skin per square centimetre, measured in joules per cm² (J/cm²). It is calculated by multiplying the irradiance (power density) of your device by the time of your session. Higher irradiance devices deliver the same dose in less time.
Session time depends on three factors: the irradiance of your device, the distance from your body, and the dose you are aiming for. Use the calculator above to find the exact time for your setup. As a general starting point, most published research uses doses between 4 and 60 J/cm².
Yes. Irradiance decreases as you move further from the device. Smaller handheld devices lose power more quickly with distance compared to larger panels. At 30 cm, a handheld may deliver roughly half the irradiance compared to 15 cm, while a full size panel retains approximately 85% of its 15 cm reading.
Red light is absorbed primarily by the skin and superficial tissues. Near infrared light penetrates deeper into muscle, joints, and connective tissue. Many Red Light Rising devices emit both wavelengths simultaneously to provide benefits at multiple tissue depths. The dose calculator uses the combined irradiance of both wavelengths.
Irradiance at 15 cm is measured using a Hopoocolor OHSP-350F spectral irradiance meter and independently verified by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) for select products. Irradiance at other distances is estimated using decay models derived from multi-distance LIA laboratory data. Actual irradiance may vary slightly depending on your specific unit, ambient temperature, and measurement conditions.
Yes. Select "Enter your own irradiance" from the device dropdown and type in your device's irradiance in mW/cm². If you do not know your device's irradiance, check the manufacturer's specifications. Note that many brands measure irradiance using solar meters which can overstate readings by 2 to 3 times compared to spectroradiometer measurements.
