1. What is a Lumens per Square Meter Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the illuminance (in lux) by dividing the total luminous flux (in lumens) by the area in square meters.

Purpose: It helps lighting designers, architects, and homeowners calculate how much light falls on a surface area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lux — Illuminance (lumens per square meter)
• Total Lumens — Total luminous flux from light source
• Area — Surface area being illuminated in square meters

Explanation: Lux measures how much luminous flux is spread over a given area. 1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter.

3. Importance of Illuminance Calculation

Details: Proper illuminance calculations ensure adequate lighting for tasks, energy efficiency, and compliance with lighting standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total lumens from your light source(s) and the area to be illuminated. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical lux level for different spaces?
A: Living rooms: 50-150 lux, Offices: 300-500 lux, Retail: 500-1000 lux, Surgery rooms: 10,000+ lux.

Q2: How do I find total lumens for multiple light sources?
A: Sum the lumens of all light sources that illuminate the same area.

Q3: Does this account for light loss or reflectance?
A: No, this calculates theoretical illuminance. Real-world values may be lower due to factors like fixture efficiency and surface reflectance.

Q4: What's the difference between lumens and lux?
A: Lumens measure total light output, while lux measures light intensity per unit area.

Q5: How does distance affect illuminance?
A: Illuminance decreases with the square of the distance from the light source (inverse square law).