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