1. What is a Light Calculator for Room?

Definition: This calculator determines the total lumens needed to properly illuminate a room based on desired foot-candle level and room area.

Purpose: It helps homeowners, interior designers, and lighting professionals plan appropriate lighting for residential and commercial spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Lumens} \) — Total light output needed (lumens)
• \( \text{FC} \) — Desired illumination level (foot-candles)
• \( \text{Area} \) — Room area (square feet)

Explanation: The foot-candle requirement is multiplied by the room area to determine the total lumens needed for proper illumination.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting Calculation

Details: Accurate lighting calculations ensure adequate visibility, create desired ambiance, and help with energy-efficient lighting design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired foot-candle level (see reference values below) and room area in square feet. All values must be > 0.

Typical FC Values:

• 10-20 fc: General residential areas
• 30-50 fc: Kitchens, offices
• 75-100 fc: Detailed work areas

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between lumens and foot-candles?
A: Lumens measure total light output, while foot-candles measure light received at a surface (1 fc = 1 lumen/ft²).

Q2: How do I convert lumens to watts?
A: Divide lumens by the efficacy (lm/W) of your light source (e.g., 800 lumens / 100 lm/W = 8W LED bulb).

Q3: Should I account for light loss factors?
A: Yes, consider adding 20-30% to the calculated lumens to account for fixture efficiency and light depreciation.

Q4: How do I distribute multiple light sources?
A: Divide total lumens by the number of fixtures, considering uniform spacing for even illumination.

Q5: What if my room has different lighting zones?
A: Calculate each zone separately with appropriate FC values and sum the results.