The invention relates to a surgical light (1), comprising: a light unit (2), which has a plurality of light sources individually accommodated in a housing (3), wherein each light source is arranged and oriented in such a way that the light source produces light beam in an energized state; an anchoring element (4), which is prepared for fastening to a ceiling (5), a wall, or a floor of a room; and a retaining arm system (6), which connects the light unit (2) slidably and/or pivotably to the anchoring element (4), wherein a position detection device (7) is arranged and designed in such a way that, in the operating state, the position detection device determines a distance of a reference section (8) of the light unit (2) or of the retaining arm system (6) from the ceiling (5).