Footcandle Calculator

Use this footcandle workflow to estimate average illuminance from entered lumens and area before checking a full lighting layout.

  • Updated August 22, 2026
Inputs
Result

Formulas

  • Effective lumens = lumens x CU x LLF
  • Footcandles = effective lumens / area
  • Lux = footcandles x 10.76390625

Use this calculator

Estimate footcandles and lux from lumens, area, utilization, and light loss factor.

Read the result

Review the calculated values with their displayed units and assumptions. The result is a planning aid for the stated inputs, not a final equipment or installation decision.

Check before final work

This footcandle estimate is for early lighting planning. It does not replace fixture photometrics, spacing checks, glare review, energy-code review, or project lighting design.

FAQs

Is this an average footcandle estimate?

Yes. It estimates average illuminance from entered lumens and area. Real layouts depend on fixture distribution and placement.

Can I use lux instead?

The calculator returns both footcandles and lux from the same entered values.