What Is This Tool?
This unit converter helps you translate luminance measurements from candela per square foot, a non-SI unit expressing brightness over an area, to lumen per square foot per steradian, which quantifies luminous flux per area and solid angle. Both units represent similar photometric quantities commonly used in imperial measurement contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in candela per square foot.
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Select candela/square foot as the starting unit and lumen/square foot/steradian as the target unit.
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Click convert to get the equivalent luminance measurement.
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Use the result in lighting design, display calibration, or luminance analysis.
Key Features
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Converts luminance values between candela/square foot and lumen/square foot/steradian.
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Supports non-SI imperial units widely used in lighting and display industries.
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Shows equivalent values using a simple 1:1 conversion.
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Suitable for assessing brightness in contexts using square foot area measures.
Examples
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5 candela/square foot equals 5 lumen/square foot/steradian.
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0.75 candela/square foot equals 0.75 lumen/square foot/steradian.
Common Use Cases
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Specifying and measuring display or monitor brightness using imperial units.
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Calibrating projection screen luminance in cinema and theater environments.
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Designing lighting and signage where square foot area units are standard.
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Assessing brightness of outdoor signs and billboards with customary U.S. units.
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Carrying out architectural lighting evaluations focused on glare control and visual comfort.
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Reporting luminance readings from photometric instruments calibrated in non-SI units.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure consistent use of imperial units when interpreting luminance measurements.
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Confirm whether photometric instruments require input or output in specific units.
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Use the tool for quick and reliable conversion to support display and lighting calibration.
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Cross-check luminance results when combining with SI unit calculations for international projects.
Limitations
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Both candela/square foot and lumen/square foot/steradian are non-SI units relying on square foot area measurements.
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Conversion to SI units like candela per square meter may be necessary for international standards compliance.
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Users must maintain consistency in area units and solid angle considerations to avoid misinterpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are candela/square foot and lumen/square foot/steradian equivalent?
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Yes, both units express luminance similarly and convert at a 1:1 ratio.
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Why use non-SI units like candela/square foot?
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These units are often used in contexts where imperial area units are standard, such as some display and lighting industries in the U.S.
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Can this conversion tool be used for international lighting standards?
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While the tool covers conversion between imperial-based units, additional conversions to SI units like candela per square meter may be needed for global standards.
Key Terminology
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Candela per square foot
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A luminance unit describing luminous intensity per area measured in candelas per one square foot of surface.
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Lumen per square foot per steradian
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A luminance unit representing luminous flux per unit area per unit solid angle, expressed as lumens per square foot per steradian.
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Luminance
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A photometric measure of the brightness of a surface as perceived in a given direction.