Candela to Lux Calculator
Convert candela to lux with step-by-step calculations. Perfect for lighting design, photometric calculations, and illuminance measurements.
Luminous Intensity to Illuminance Converter
Common Candela to Lux Conversions
Click on these links to see instant conversions with common values:
Understanding Candela to Lux Conversion
Converting candela to lux involves transforming luminous intensity to illuminance based on distance. This conversion is fundamental for lighting design and understanding how bright a surface will appear.
Conversion Formula
Where:
• lux = illuminance (light falling on surface)
• candela = luminous intensity
• distance = distance from source in meters
Inverse Square Law
The relationship follows the inverse square law, meaning that as distance doubles, illuminance becomes one-fourth. This is crucial for lighting calculations and design.
Key Concepts
- Candela (cd): Luminous intensity - the amount of light emitted in a particular direction
- Lux (lx): Illuminance - the amount of light falling on a surface per unit area
- Distance: The perpendicular distance from the light source to the illuminated surface
- Inverse Square Law: Illuminance decreases with the square of distance
Typical Illuminance Levels
| Environment | Illuminance (lux) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | 0.1 - 1 | Very dim natural light |
| Street lighting | 5 - 20 | Basic visibility |
| Living room | 50 - 200 | Comfortable ambient lighting |
| Office work | 300 - 500 | Task lighting |
| Reading | 500 - 1000 | Detailed work |
| Surgery | 10000 - 25000 | Precision work |
| Sunlight | 50000 - 100000 | Direct daylight |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert candela to lux?
Use the formula: lux = candela ÷ distance². This converts luminous intensity to illuminance based on the distance from the light source.
What is the difference between candela and lux?
Candela measures light intensity in a specific direction, while lux measures how much light falls on a surface. The conversion depends on distance due to the inverse square law.
What is the inverse square law in lighting?
The inverse square law states that illuminance decreases with the square of distance. If you move twice as far from a light source, you receive one-fourth the illuminance.