Convert foot-candle [ft*c, fc] to lumen/square centimeter Online | Free lllumination Converter

A Unit of Illuminance

The foot-candle (ft·c or fc) is a unit of illuminance used primarily in the United States and some other countries that follow imperial measurements. It measures the amount of luminous flux (light) falling on a surface of one square foot. One foot-candle is defined as one lumen per square foot.

Foot-candles are commonly used in lighting design, architecture, photography, and workplace safety to ensure spaces have appropriate lighting levels. For example, an office workspace typically requires around 30 to 50 foot-candles to provide sufficient brightness for tasks without causing eye strain. Retail stores and hospitals may require higher levels, while hallways or staircases might have lower standards.

Foot-candles are related to the metric unit lux, where 1 foot-candle equals approximately 10.76 lux (lumens per square meter). Understanding foot-candle measurements allows designers and engineers to plan lighting layouts effectively, balancing energy use with visual comfort.

Despite the growing global adoption of the lux, foot-candles remain prevalent in industries and regions that use imperial units, making it important for professionals to be familiar with both.

Measuring Light Intensity on Small Surfaces

Lumen per square centimeter (lm/cm²) is a unit of illuminance, indicating the amount of luminous flux (light) incident on a surface area of one square centimeter. This measurement is particularly useful when dealing with very small or precise areas, such as in microscopy, small-scale lighting applications, or scientific experiments where accurate light measurement on tiny surfaces is critical.

Since one square centimeter is much smaller than one square meter, lm/cm² is a much finer scale than the more commonly used lux (lumens per square meter). To convert, 1 lm/cm² equals 10,000 lux, meaning it measures illuminance at a much higher resolution.

In practice, this unit helps scientists and engineers evaluate how much light is delivered to microscopic samples, the surface of tiny sensors, or small electronic components. It ensures that light-sensitive processes receive the correct intensity for optimal performance.

Understanding lumen per square centimeter is essential in fields requiring precise light control and measurement, allowing better design and assessment of optical systems and lighting solutions at a microscopic scale.