Lux to Footcandles Calculator

Convert illuminance in lux (lx) to footcandles (fc) using the standard conversion factor.

Formula:

Lux to Footcandles Calculator – Convert Illuminance Units Easily

The Lux to Footcandles Calculator is a practical tool designed to convert illuminance values from lux to footcandles. Whether you're working in architecture, photography, horticulture, or interior design, understanding how to convert between these two lighting units is essential for accurate planning and analysis.

What Are Lux and Footcandles?

Lux (lx) is the SI (International System of Units) unit for illuminance. It is defined as one lumen per square meter and is widely used around the world, especially in metric-based countries.

Footcandles (fc) are an older unit of illuminance primarily used in the United States. One footcandle equals one lumen per square foot. It's commonly used in building codes, stage lighting, and landscape design.

Why Convert Lux to Footcandles?

Although lux and footcandles measure the same property—illuminance—they are used in different regions and industries. Here’s why conversions are important:

Lux to Footcandles Conversion Formula

The formula to convert lux to footcandles is straightforward:

Footcandles = Lux ÷ 10.764

This factor arises from the conversion between square meters and square feet:

Example Calculation

Let’s say you have a lighting measurement of 500 lux and want to convert it to footcandles:

Footcandles = 500 ÷ 10.764 ≈ 46.45 fc

Lux to Footcandles Conversion Table

LuxFootcandles
504.65
1009.29
30027.87
50046.45
100092.90

Applications of Lux and Footcandles

Lighting Standards Involving Footcandles

Various regulatory agencies and organizations specify lighting levels in footcandles:

Advantages of Using Our Lux to Footcandles Calculator

FAQs About Lux and Footcandles

Q: Are footcandles and lux interchangeable?

A: Yes, they measure the same property but use different units. The only difference is the area measurement (meters vs. feet).

Q: How do I measure lux or footcandles?

A: Use a light meter with a sensor. Most digital meters can switch between lux and footcandle modes.

Q: What is a good lighting level in footcandles?

A: It depends on the space:

Final analysis

The Lux to Footcandles Calculator makes it easy to convert between two essential lighting units. Whether you're comparing design standards, interpreting light meter readings, or ensuring compliance with safety codes, this calculator helps you achieve accuracy and confidence in your lighting projects.

Use our tool today to simplify your work and shine a light on better lighting decisions!

Lux to Footcandles Calculator – Convert Illuminance Units Easily

The Lux to Footcandles Calculator is a practical tool designed to convert illuminance values from lux to footcandles. Whether you're working in architecture, photography, horticulture, or interior design, understanding how to convert between these two lighting units is essential for accurate planning and analysis.

What Are Lux and Footcandles?

Lux (lx) is the SI (International System of Units) unit for illuminance. It is defined as one lumen per square meter and is widely used around the world, especially in metric-based countries.

Footcandles (fc) are an older unit of illuminance primarily used in the United States. One footcandle equals one lumen per square foot. It's commonly used in building codes, stage lighting, and landscape design.

Why Convert Lux to Footcandles?

Although lux and footcandles measure the same property—illuminance—they are used in different regions and industries. Here’s why conversions are important:

Lux to Footcandles Conversion Formula

The formula to convert lux to footcandles is straightforward:

Footcandles = Lux ÷ 10.764

This factor arises from the conversion between square meters and square feet:

Example Calculation

Let’s say you have a lighting measurement of 500 lux and want to convert it to footcandles:

Footcandles = 500 ÷ 10.764 ≈ 46.45 fc

Lux to Footcandles Conversion Table

LuxFootcandles
504.65
1009.29
30027.87
50046.45
100092.90

Applications of Lux and Footcandles

Lighting Standards Involving Footcandles

Various regulatory agencies and organizations specify lighting levels in footcandles:

Additional Context for Professionals

Lighting designers often juggle multiple units of measurement across jurisdictions. In projects that span international boundaries, being able to quickly switch between lux and footcandles is vital. Electrical engineers may specify lights in lux while clients request specifications in footcandles, leading to a demand for transparent conversion tools.

Digital Light Meters and Unit Selection

Modern light meters typically allow users to toggle between lux and footcandles. This is particularly helpful for professionals working with international standards or switching between metric and imperial clients. These devices often include built-in sensors and memory functions, allowing users to log measurements and run comparisons easily.

Impact of Light Angle and Surface Reflection

It’s important to remember that illuminance measurements (in both lux and footcandles) are affected by the angle at which light strikes a surface and how reflective that surface is. Highly reflective or matte surfaces may lead to different readings, making calibration and standardization important in lab or field environments.

Use in Smart Building and IoT Lighting Systems

With the rise of smart lighting systems, automated systems often gather lux data from sensors to determine whether to dim, brighten, or switch off lighting. In global deployments, designers may need to convert these lux values into footcandles for local compliance, making this calculator essential even in advanced IoT environments.

FAQs About Lux and Footcandles

Q: Are footcandles and lux interchangeable?

A: Yes, they measure the same property but use different units. The only difference is the area measurement (meters vs. feet).

Q: How do I measure lux or footcandles?

A: Use a light meter with a sensor. Most digital meters can switch between lux and footcandle modes.

Q: What is a good lighting level in footcandles?

A: It depends on the space:

Final analysis

The Lux to Footcandles Calculator makes it easy to convert between two essential lighting units. Whether you're comparing design standards, interpreting light meter readings, or ensuring compliance with safety codes, this calculator helps you achieve accuracy and confidence in your lighting projects.

Use our tool today to simplify your work and shine a light on better lighting decisions!

See Also