Lux to Candela Converter
Convert Lux (illuminance) to Candela (luminous intensity).
Instructions:
- Enter the **illuminance in Lux** (lx) at the point of measurement.
- Enter the **distance** (in meters) between the light source and the point of measurement.
- Enter the **illuminated area** (in square meters).
- Click “Convert to Candela” to get the luminous intensity in **Candela** (cd).
In the field of photometry, both lux and candela are units used to measure light, but they describe different properties. Lux measures illuminance, or the amount of light that falls on a surface, while candela measures luminous intensity, or the strength of light emitted by a source in a specific direction. Converting lux to candela (or vice versa) is essential in many applications like lighting design, photography, and visual media.
This article will guide you on how to convert lux to candela, explain the relationship between these units, and provide a Lux to Candela Converter to make your work easier.
Understanding Lux and Candela
1. What is Lux?
- Lux (lx) is a unit of illuminance. It measures how much light is received on a given surface area.
- 1 lux is equal to 1 lumen per square meter (lm/m²).
- It describes how bright the surface appears when exposed to light.
- Lux is commonly used in settings like indoor lighting, street lighting, or in areas where precise control of light is needed (e.g., offices, laboratories).
2. What is Candela?
- Candela (cd) is a unit of luminous intensity. It measures the amount of light emitted by a source in a particular direction.
- The candela is one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI).
- It quantifies how intense the light emitted is in a specific direction, making it ideal for measuring the brightness of light sources like light bulbs, lasers, and flashlights.
Formula to Convert Lux to Candela
To convert lux to candela, you need to consider the distance between the light source and the surface being illuminated. The relationship between lux and candela is governed by the following formula:
Conversion Formula:
Candela (cd) = Lux (lx) × (distance (m))²
Where:
- Candela (cd) is the luminous intensity in candela.
- Lux (lx) is the illuminance in lux.
- Distance (m) is the distance from the light source to the illuminated surface in meters.
This formula assumes that the light is uniformly distributed and the illumination occurs on a flat surface.
Step-by-Step Example of Converting Lux to Candela
Let’s walk through an example to demonstrate how to convert lux to candela using the formula.
Example 1: Convert 100 Lux to Candela
Suppose you measure 100 lux at a distance of 2 meters from the light source. Here’s how to convert it to candela:
- Step 1: Write down the given values:
- Lux (lx) = 100 lx
- Distance (m) = 2 m
- Step 2: Apply the formula:
- Candela (cd) = 100 lx × (2 m)²
- Candela (cd) = 100 lx × 4
- Candela (cd) = 400 cd
So, 100 lux at 2 meters corresponds to 400 candela.
Example 2: Convert 500 Lux to Candela
Let’s try another example with a different illuminance value.
- Step 1: Given:
- Lux (lx) = 500 lx
- Distance (m) = 5 m
- Step 2: Apply the formula:
- Candela (cd) = 500 lx × (5 m)²
- Candela (cd) = 500 lx × 25
- Candela (cd) = 12,500 cd
So, 500 lux at 5 meters corresponds to 12,500 candela.
Lux to Candela Conversion Table
For easier reference, here’s a table showing the conversion of various lux values to candela at different distances:
| Lux (lx) | Distance (m) | Candela (cd) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lux | 1 meter | 10 cd |
| 50 lux | 2 meters | 200 cd |
| 100 lux | 2 meters | 400 cd |
| 200 lux | 3 meters | 1,800 cd |
| 500 lux | 5 meters | 12,500 cd |
| 1000 lux | 10 meters | 100,000 cd |
| 2000 lux | 15 meters | 450,000 cd |
This table can be used to quickly estimate the luminous intensity in candela for various lux levels and distances.
Lux to Candela Converter
The Lux to Candela Converter simplifies this process for you. You can quickly input the value of lux and the distance from the light source, and the converter will instantly calculate the corresponding candela value.
How to Use the Lux to Candela Converter:
- Input the lux value: Enter the lux value that you want to convert to candela.
- Input the distance: Enter the distance (in meters) from the light source to the illuminated surface.
- Click “Convert”: The converter will automatically calculate the corresponding candela value.
- View the result: The candela value will be displayed immediately.
Example: Using the Lux to Candela Converter
If you input 150 lux and a distance of 3 meters, the converter will show you the result:
- Candela = 150 × (3)² = 1350 cd
Practical Applications of Lux and Candela
Understanding the relationship between lux and candela is vital for various practical applications. Here are some fields where these units are commonly used:
1. Lighting Design
- Designers use lux to measure the illuminance of a space to ensure proper lighting levels. The corresponding candela helps them choose light sources with the right intensity for specific applications (e.g., task lighting, general lighting).
2. Photography and Videography
- In photography, lux is used to measure the light available in a scene, while candela is useful for adjusting the intensity of the light source, such as a camera flash or studio lighting.
3. Astronomy
- In astronomy, both lux and candela are important for measuring the brightness of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, as well as the intensity of artificial light sources in observatories.
4. Health and Safety
- Accurate lighting measurements are crucial in environments like hospitals, workplaces, and factories. Proper lighting levels (measured in lux) and appropriate light intensity (measured in candela) help ensure a safe and productive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between lux and candela?
- Lux measures the amount of light falling on a surface (illuminance), while candela measures the intensity of light emitted by a source in a specific direction (luminous intensity).
2. Can I convert candela to lux?
- Yes, to convert candela to lux, you can use the formula:
- Lux (lx) = Candela (cd) / (distance (m))²
- The distance is the distance from the light source to the surface where the light falls.
3. Why is the distance important in the conversion from lux to candela?
- The intensity of light diminishes as the distance from the light source increases. This is why the distance plays a key role in the conversion from lux to candela.
4. How can I use lux and candela in lighting calculations?
- Lux is useful for determining how much light is reaching a surface (e.g., how bright a room is), while candela is useful for determining how intense the light emitted from a source is (e.g., the brightness of a light bulb or flashlight).
Conclusion
Understanding the conversion from lux to candela is crucial for various fields, including lighting design, photography, and scientific measurements. By using the conversion formula or an online Lux to Candela Converter, you can easily determine the luminous intensity of light sources based on illuminance and distance. Whether you’re a lighting designer, photographer, or researcher, knowing how to convert these units will help you optimize lighting conditions and improve the quality of your work.