Convert lumen/square centimeter to centimeter-candle [cm*c] Online | Free lllumination Converter

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.

A Historical Unit of Illuminance

The centimeter-candle (cm·c) is an older, non-SI unit of illuminance that measures the luminous flux falling on a surface area of one square centimeter. It is defined as the illuminance produced at a distance of one centimeter from a uniform point source of one candlepower (now replaced by the candela).

Since the centimeter-candle measures light intensity over a very small area, it represents a much finer scale compared to more common units like the foot-candle or lux. One centimeter-candle is equivalent to 10,000 lux because one square meter contains 10,000 square centimeters.

Historically, the centimeter-candle was used in photometry and lighting sciences before international standardization led to the widespread adoption of the lux as the preferred illuminance unit. Its usage today is rare and mostly of historical interest, but it remains useful for understanding older lighting data and certain precise scientific contexts where small-area measurements matter.

Understanding centimeter-candle helps bridge the gap between historical and modern units of light measurement and offers insight into the evolution of photometric standards.