Illumination Converter: Transform Light Units Instantly
Convert between lux, foot-candles, lumens, and more with our precise, easy-to-use tool
About Illumination Conversion
Understanding light measurement units is essential for professionals and enthusiasts alike
What is Illumination?
Illumination refers to the amount of light falling on a surface, measured in various units depending on the system used. Our converter helps bridge the gap between these different measurement systems.
Why Convert Units?
Different industries use different illumination units. Architects often use foot-candles, while scientists prefer lux. Our tool ensures seamless communication between professionals across fields.
Global Standardization
With the metric system (lux) used internationally and imperial units (foot-candles) still common in some countries, conversion between units becomes essential for global projects.
How Our Illumination Converter Works
Convert between light measurement units in just three simple steps
Enter Your Value
Type in the numerical value you want to convert in the input field
Select Units
Choose your current unit from the dropdown and select your desired output unit
Get Instant Results
View your converted value immediately with 100% accuracy
Why Choose Our Illumination Converter?
Discover the advantages of using our specialized light measurement tool
Lightning Fast
Get conversion results instantly without any delays or loading times
Precision Accuracy
Our algorithms use exact conversion factors for reliable results every time
Mobile Optimized
Works perfectly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones
Conversion History
Track your previous conversions for reference (coming soon)
Educational Resources
Learn about illumination units with our comprehensive guides
Dark Mode
Eye-friendly interface with dark mode option for low-light conditions
Illumination Conversion Formulas
Understand the mathematics behind our precise conversions
Lux to Foot-candles
1 lux equals approximately 0.0929 foot-candles
Foot-candles to Lux
1 foot-candle equals approximately 10.7639 lux
Phot to Lux
1 phot equals 10,000 lux (1 ph = 104 lx)
Nox to Lux
1 nox equals 0.001 lux (1 nx = 10-3 lx)
Example Conversion Calculation
See a practical example of how illumination conversion works
Converting 500 Lux to Foot-candles
To convert lux (lx) to foot-candles (fc), we use the conversion factor:
1 lx = 0.092903 fc
Therefore:
500 lx × 0.092903 fc/lx = 46.4515 fc
So, 500 lux is approximately 46.45 foot-candles.
This conversion is particularly useful for architects and lighting designers working with international standards.
Limitations of Illumination Conversion
Understanding the boundaries of light measurement conversion
Not a Luminance Converter
Our tool converts illuminance (light falling on a surface), not luminance (light emitted by a source). Different principles apply.
Distance Not Factored
Actual illumination varies with distance from light source, which our converter doesn’t account for.
Surface Reflectance
Different surfaces reflect light differently, affecting perceived brightness beyond pure illuminance values.
Tips for Managing Illumination Measurements
Professional advice for working with light measurement units
1. Know Your Standards
Different industries have different illumination standards. Research your field’s requirements before converting.
2. Use Appropriate Precision
For most applications, 2-3 decimal places are sufficient. Scientific work may require more precision.
3. Consider Measurement Conditions
Ambient light, measurement angle, and device calibration all affect illumination readings.
4. Document Your Units
Always note which units you’re using to avoid confusion in projects and communications.
Common Use Cases for Illumination Conversion
Where and why professionals convert between light measurement units
Architectural Lighting
Architects convert between lux and foot-candles when working with international clients or standards.
Photography & Videography
Cinematographers use illumination conversion to achieve consistent lighting across different equipment.
Industrial Standards
Manufacturing facilities convert units to comply with international safety and productivity standards.
Horticultural Lighting
Grow light specifications often come in different units requiring conversion for proper setup.
Professional Tips for Accurate Illumination Measurement
Expert advice from lighting professionals
Calibrate Regularly
Light meters drift over time. Professional calibrate their devices annually for accurate measurements.
Understand Cosine Correction
Quality light meters have cosine correction for accurate readings at different angles.
Consider Spectral Response
Not all meters respond equally to all light wavelengths. Choose equipment matching your application.
Best Practices for Illumination Measurement
Follow these guidelines for reliable light measurement results
Use Appropriate Measurement Range
Select a light meter with a range suitable for your application to ensure accuracy.
Maintain Consistent Measurement Distance
Keep the same distance from light sources when taking comparative measurements.
Account for Ambient Light
Measure background illumination separately when evaluating specific light sources.
Document Measurement Conditions
Note environmental factors that might affect readings for future reference.
What Our Users Say
Professionals who rely on our illumination converter
“As an architect working on international projects, I constantly need to convert between lux and foot-candles. This tool saves me hours of manual calculations.”
“Precise light measurement is crucial for our greenhouse operations. This converter helps us maintain optimal growing conditions by quickly translating between different unit systems.”
“I recommend this illumination converter to all my photography students. It’s become an essential tool for understanding and controlling lighting setups.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about illumination conversion
Lux and foot-candles both measure illuminance (light falling on a surface), but lux is the metric unit while foot-candles is the imperial unit. 1 foot-candle equals approximately 10.764 lux. The main difference is in their reference measurements: lux uses meters while foot-candles use feet.
Phot is an older CGS unit of illuminance where 1 phot equals 10,000 lux. It’s rarely used today except in some specialized scientific contexts. For most applications, lux is the preferred metric unit.
Our converter uses precise conversion factors with up to 8 decimal places for calculations, then rounds results to a practical number of significant figures. For professional applications requiring extreme precision, we recommend verifying critical conversions with multiple sources.
No, lumens measure luminous flux (total light output) while lux measures illuminance (light per unit area). Converting between them requires knowing the surface area and distance. We may add this functionality in a future update.
Unit conversion is essential when working with international standards, collaborating across regions using different measurement systems, interpreting equipment specifications, or complying with regulations that specify particular units.
Master Illumination Conversion
Empower your work with precise light measurement tools
Understanding and converting between different illumination units is a fundamental skill for professionals working with light. Whether you’re an architect specifying lighting levels, a photographer controlling studio setups, or a horticulturist optimizing grow lights, accurate unit conversion ensures consistency and quality in your work.
Our illumination converter provides instant, reliable conversions between all major light measurement units, saving you time and eliminating calculation errors. Bookmark this page for quick access whenever you need to convert illumination values, and explore our educational resources to deepen your understanding of light measurement principles.
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