Illuminance Converter

Illuminance Converter Online

Welcome to the Illuminance Converter by Webtooly. This free, precise online tool enables you to convert between a wide range of illuminance units, from ultra-sensitive measurements like Microlux (µlx) and Millilux (mlx) to standard engineering units like Lux (lx), industrial measures like Kilolux (klx), ANSI units like Foot-candle (fc), and even legacy photometric units like Phot (ph) and Nox.

It's perfect for lighting designers, photographers, horticulturists, architects, and students.

What Is Illuminance?

Illuminance is a measure of how much luminous flux is spread over a surface area, expressed in lux (lumens per square meter). It tells us the brightness level striking a surface. This matters across many fields:

• Interior lighting design, ensure adequate brightness.
• Outdoor lighting standards around buildings and streets.
• Photography, measure the illumination for proper camera exposure.
• Plant cultivation, specify growth lighting (e.g. grow lights).
• Lab and cleanroom standards.
• Heritage uses, using legacy units like phot.

All Supported Units

• µlx: Microlux (1 µlx = 0.000001 lx)
• mlx: Millilux (1 mlx = 0.001 lx)
• lx: Lux – primary SI unit
• klx: Kilolux (1 klx = 1,000 lx)
• lm/m²: Lumen per square meter (same as lux)
• lm/cm²: Lumen per cm² (0.01 lm/cm² = 100 lx)
• fc: Foot-candle (1 fc ≈ 10.764 lx)
• ph: Phot (1 ph = 10,000 lx)
• nox: Very low light unit (1 nox = 0.001 lx)

Example Conversion

Input Value: 1000
Convert From: Lux (lx)

Results:
- Lux to Microlux:                     1,000,000,000 µlx
- Lux to Millilux:                    1,000,000 mlx
- Lux to Lux:                         1000 lx
- Lux to Kilolux:                     1 klx
- Lux to Lumen per m²:                1000 lm/m²
- Lux to Lumen per cm²:               0.1 lm/cm²
- Lux to Foot‑candle:                 90.00000009 fc
- Lux to Phot:                        0.1 ph
- Lux to Nox:                         1,000,000 nox
  

How to Use This Tool

1. Enter the numeric illuminance value (e.g. 1000).
2. Select the unit you're converting from (e.g., Lux).
3. Click the Convert button.
4. Get instant conversion results across all supported units.

Conversion Reference Table

Why These Units Matter

Knowing how illuminance units relate helps across many practical applications:

• Architects & Lighting Designers: Use lumens-based units (lux, foot-candles) to meet standards like IES or EN 12464.
• Photographers & Videographers: Manage exposure using lux or fc measurements.
• Horticulture: Track plant light exposure, µlx and mlx are helpful for low-light settings.
• Cleanrooms & Laboratories: Ensure proper bright environments under strict lighting protocols.
• Historical Data Analysis: Convert between lux and phot for legacy equipment readings.

Conversion Formulas Quick Reference

• µlx = lx × 1,000,000
• mlx = lx × 1,000
• klx = lx ÷ 1,000
• lm/cm² = lx ÷ 10,000
• Foot‑candle = lx ÷ 10.764
• Phot = lx ÷ 10,000
• Nox = lx × 1,000

Common FAQs

What is the standard illuminance unit for engineering?

Lux (lx), lumens per square meter, the SI standard unit.

How do I convert foot‑candle to lux?

Multiply foot‑candle value by 10.764 (1 fc ≈ 10.764 lx).

Is phot still a valid unit?

Phot (ph) is an older CGS unit (10,000 lx). Useful when working with historical lighting data.

When is lux too broad?

In extremely low-light or high-light applications, µlx and klx offer better precision.

Real-World Applications

• Smartphone Light Sensors: Many are calibrated in lux.
• Greenhouse Systems: Measure µlx or mlx under shade cloth.
• Factory Floors: Designers coordinate lighting in foot-candles for OSHA compliance.
• Museums: Prevent artwork fading by controlling illuminance around 50 lux.
• Photography Stands: Use fc or lux to calibrate exposure levels.

Benefits of Using This Converter

• Instant conversions across all illuminance units
• Free, no sign-up or ads
• Accurate results, deal for design, compliance, or experimentation
• Works across desktop and mobile, use it anywhere
• Supports both modern and legacy units, ensuring compatibility with your needs

Conclusion

The Illuminance Converter is the ultimate tool for anyone working with light measurements. From architects specifying building illumination, to energy system engineers ensuring compliance, to photographers calibrating exposure, this tool delivers precision, scope, and ease.

Try it now to support your lighting calculations with confidence.