Lux to Candela Calculator
Convert lux to candela with step-by-step calculations. Useful for determining the luminous intensity of a light source based on illuminance measurements at a certain distance.
Illuminance to Luminous Intensity Converter
Common Lux to Candela Conversions
Click on these links to see instant conversions with common values:
Understanding Lux to Candela Conversion
Converting lux to candela involves calculating the luminous intensity of a light source based on the illuminance measured at a specific distance from that source. This conversion is crucial in lighting design and photometry.
Conversion Formula
Where:
• candela = luminous intensity (cd)
• lux = illuminance (lx)
• distance = distance from the light source to the surface (m)
Key Concepts
- Lux (lx): Illuminance - the amount of light falling on a given surface area (lumens per square meter).
- Candela (cd): Luminous intensity - the amount of light emitted by a source in a particular direction.
- Inverse Square Law: Illuminance decreases with the square of the distance from the light source. This principle is fundamental to this conversion.
Typical Illuminance Levels & Corresponding Candela
| Environment | Illuminance (lx) | Distance (m) | Approx. Candela (cd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | 0.1 | 1 | 0.1 |
| Office Desk | 500 | 1 | 500 |
| Street Lighting | 10-50 | 5 | 250-1250 |
| Reading Light | 300 | 0.5 | 75 |
| Concert Spotlight | 10000 | 10 | 1,000,000 |
| Full Daylight | 100000 | 1 | 100000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert lux to candela?
To convert lux to candela, multiply the lux value by the square of the distance from the light source in meters (candela = lux × distance²).
What is the relationship between lux and candela?
Lux measures how much light falls on a surface, while candela measures how much light is emitted in a specific direction. They are related by the inverse square law, meaning distance is a key factor in their conversion.
Why is distance important in lux to candela conversion?
The intensity of light (illuminance) decreases significantly as you move further from the source. Therefore, knowing the distance is essential to accurately calculate the source's luminous intensity (candela) from a lux measurement.