Luminosity Calculator

Find a star's luminosity from its radius and temperature.

Luminosity (W) 3.843932540746749e+26
Luminosity (L☉) 1.004

Formula: L = 4π·R²·σ·T⁴

Step-by-step with your numbers:
1. Values used:
2. Radius = 1 R☉
3. Surface temperature = 5,778 K
4.
5. Luminosity = 3.843932540746749e+26W
6. Luminosity = 1.004L☉
Did we solve your problem today?

A star's luminosity is its total power output, set by size and temperature.

The math behind it

L = 4π·R²·σ·T⁴, combining surface area with the Stefan–Boltzmann law.

Worked example

The Sun (1 R☉, 5778 K) → about 3.85 × 10²⁶ W (1 L☉).

FAQ

Why does temperature dominate?

Luminosity rises with T⁴, so hot stars are vastly more luminous.