What Is This Tool?
This tool converts measurements of illumination from lumen per square foot (lm/ft²), commonly called foot-candle, to lux (lx), the SI unit of illuminance. It helps users align imperial lighting units with the metric system, facilitating accurate lighting design and compliance.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the illumination value in lumen per square foot (lm/ft²).
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Select lumen/square foot as the input unit and lux as the output unit.
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Click convert to see the equivalent illuminance value in lux (lx).
Key Features
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Converts lumen/square foot to lux with a defined conversion rate.
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Supports lighting measurements used in architecture, photography, horticulture, and museum lighting.
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Easy-to-use interface for quick unit conversion.
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Browser-based and accessible for multiple professional applications.
Examples
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Convert 5 lm/ft² to lux: 5 × 10.7639104167 = 53.81955 lx
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Convert 10 lm/ft² to lux: 10 × 10.7639104167 = 107.6391 lx
Common Use Cases
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Specifying and verifying lighting levels in offices, classrooms, and retail areas.
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Measuring and setting illumination in photography, stage, and display lighting.
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Determining grow-light positioning for horticulture and controlling lighting in museums and galleries.
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Calibrating lamps and lux meters for compliance with photometric standards.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure consistent use of units when specifying lighting requirements.
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Use this tool to align measurements with international lighting codes and standards.
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Be aware that localized lighting variations may require additional measurement methods.
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Consider environmental factors that can influence illumination accuracy.
Limitations
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Conversion assumes uniform illumination on the measurement surface.
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Accuracy can be affected by the precision of instruments and environmental conditions.
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Does not account for directional or highly variable lighting distributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does lumen per square foot measure?
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Lumen per square foot (lm/ft²) measures illuminance, specifically the luminous flux incident on a one-square-foot surface. It is also known as foot-candle.
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Why convert lumen/square foot to lux?
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Converting to lux aligns the measurement with the SI standard, enabling consistent lighting specifications and adherence to international codes.
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Can this conversion be used for outdoor lighting measurements?
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While lux is commonly used outdoors, this conversion tool is primarily designed for converting indoor illumination measurements from lumen/square foot to lux.
Key Terminology
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Lumen per square foot (lm/ft²)
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A unit of illuminance measuring luminous flux incident on one square foot, equivalent to foot-candle.
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Lux (lx)
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The SI derived unit of illuminance, equal to one lumen per square metre, reflecting luminous flux per area.
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Illuminance
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The measure of luminous flux falling on a surface area, determining how much light is received.