Lux to Foot Candles Converter

Convert between lux (lx) and foot candles (fc) with this two-way illuminance converter. Enter a value in either the Lux or Foot Candles field and get the converted result instantly. Based on the exact conversion factor: 1 lux = 0.09290304 foot candles (or 1 fc = 10.76391 lux). Useful for lighting designers, photographers, and facility managers working across metric and imperial lighting standards. Also try the find Total Radar Horizon Distance with Radar Horizon Calculator.

Results

Converted Value

Conversion Factor Used

Reverse Conversion

Results Table

What is the difference between lux and foot candles?

Both lux and foot candles measure illuminance — the amount of light falling on a surface. Lux is the metric (SI) unit, defined as one lumen per square meter, while foot candles are the imperial unit, defined as one lumen per square foot. Since one square foot equals approximately 0.0929 square meters, one foot candle equals about 10.764 lux. See also our calculate Aperture Area.

How do I convert lux to foot candles?

To convert lux to foot candles, multiply the lux value by 0.09290304. For example, 100 lux × 0.09290304 = 9.290304 foot candles. Alternatively, you can divide the lux value by 10.76391 to get the same result.

How do I convert foot candles to lux?

To convert foot candles to lux, multiply the foot candle value by 10.76391. For example, 50 foot candles × 10.76391 = 538.196 lux. You can also divide the foot candle value by 0.09290304.

What is a lumen and how does it relate to lux and foot candles?

A lumen (lm) is the unit of luminous flux — the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Lux and foot candles both measure how that light is distributed over a surface area. One lux equals one lumen per square meter, while one foot candle equals one lumen per square foot. You might also find our Earth Curvature Calculator useful.

What are typical lux or foot candle levels for common environments?

Typical illuminance levels vary widely: direct sunlight is around 100,000 lux (9,290 fc), a well-lit office is 300–500 lux (28–46 fc), a living room requires about 100–300 lux (9–28 fc), and a moonlit night is roughly 1 lux (0.09 fc). Building codes and lighting standards often specify required foot candle levels for safety and productivity.

Why do lighting professionals use foot candles instead of lux?

In the United States and a few other countries, the imperial system is still common in construction, architecture, and facility management, which is why foot candles remain widely used. Most of the rest of the world uses lux. Knowing how to convert between the two is essential when working with international lighting specifications or products.

Is lux the same as lumens per square meter?

Yes, exactly. One lux is defined as one lumen per square meter (lm/m²). It describes how concentrated the light is on a given area. A single lumen spread over one square meter produces one lux, while the same lumen concentrated on half a square meter produces two lux.

What is the exact conversion factor between lux and foot candles?

The exact conversion factor is 1 lux = 0.09290304 foot candles, or equivalently 1 foot candle = 10.7639104167 lux. This factor comes from the relationship between square meters and square feet: 1 square foot = 0.09290304 square meters.