Lux to Foot-Candles Converter
Convert illuminance measurements between lux (lx) and foot-candles (fc) instantly
Quick Conversions
Conversion Reference Table
| Lux (lx) | Foot-Candles (fc) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 lx | 0.0009290304 fc |
| 0.1 lx | 0.009290304 fc |
| 1 lx | 0.09290304 fc |
| 2 lx | 0.18580608 fc |
| 3 lx | 0.27870912 fc |
| 5 lx | 0.4645152 fc |
| 10 lx | 0.9290304 fc |
| 20 lx | 1.8580608 fc |
| 50 lx | 4.645152 fc |
| 100 lx | 9.290304 fc |
| 200 lx | 18.580608 fc |
| 500 lx | 46.45152 fc |
| 1000 lx | 92.90304 fc |
| 2000 lx | 185.80608 fc |
| 5000 lx | 464.5152 fc |
| 10000 lx | 929.0304 fc |
How to Convert Lux to Foot-Candles
Converting lux to foot-candles requires multiplying the lux value by a specific conversion factor. The relationship between these two illuminance units stems from the difference between metric and imperial measurement systems.
Foot-Candles (fc) = Lux (lx) × 0.09290304
Lux (lx) = Foot-Candles (fc) × 10.7639104167
Conversion Examples
100 lx × 0.09290304 = 9.290304 fc
500 lx × 0.09290304 = 46.45152 fc
1000 lx × 0.09290304 = 92.90304 fc
50 fc × 10.7639104167 = 538.195521 lx
What Are Lux and Foot-Candles?
Lux is the SI unit of illuminance, measuring the amount of light falling on a surface. One lux equals one lumen per square meter. This metric unit is used worldwide and represents how bright light appears on a surface at a specific distance from the light source.
A foot-candle is the imperial unit of illuminance, primarily used in the United States. One foot-candle equals one lumen per square foot. It represents the amount of light a standard candle produces at a distance of one foot.
Why the Conversion Factor?
The conversion factor 0.09290304 derives from the relationship between square meters and square feet. Since 1 square meter equals 10.7639104167 square feet, and both units measure lumens per area, we get:
1 lux = 1 lumen/m² = 1 lumen/(10.7639 ft²) = 0.09290304 lumen/ft² = 0.09290304 foot-candles
Common Illuminance Levels
| Environment | Lux (lx) | Foot-Candles (fc) |
|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | 0.25 – 1 lx | 0.023 – 0.093 fc |
| Street lighting | 10 – 20 lx | 0.93 – 1.86 fc |
| Living room | 50 – 150 lx | 4.6 – 13.9 fc |
| Office lighting | 320 – 500 lx | 30 – 46 fc |
| Supermarket | 750 – 1000 lx | 70 – 93 fc |
| Operating theater | 1000 – 10000 lx | 93 – 929 fc |
| Direct sunlight | 32000 – 100000 lx | 3000 – 9300 fc |
Related Illuminance Conversions
- Lux to lumens per square meter
- Lux to phot
- Lux to nox
- Lux to candela per square meter
- Foot-candles to lumens per square foot
- Foot-candles to lumen
- Foot-candles to watt per square meter
- Foot-candles to phot
Practical Applications
Workplace Lighting Standards
Proper illuminance levels are critical for workplace safety and productivity. OSHA and other regulatory bodies specify minimum lighting requirements in foot-candles or lux depending on the region. Converting between these units helps professionals comply with international standards.
Photography and Videography
Photographers and cinematographers often need to measure light intensity in different units depending on their equipment and location. Converting between lux and foot-candles allows for accurate exposure settings and consistent lighting setups across different projects.
Architectural Lighting Design
Lighting designers working on international projects must convert between lux and foot-candles to meet local building codes and client specifications. This conversion is essential for creating lighting plans that satisfy both aesthetic and regulatory requirements.
Horticulture and Plant Growth
Indoor gardeners and commercial growers monitor light intensity to optimize plant growth. Different plants require specific illuminance levels, and converting between lux and foot-candles helps growers follow cultivation guides from various sources worldwide.