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Lumens Formula:
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The Lumens Per Square Foot calculation determines the total lumens needed for lighting a space based on recommended footcandles and area. This is particularly important for countertop lighting where proper illumination is crucial for tasks like food preparation.
The calculator uses the lumens formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the total luminous flux needed to achieve the desired illumination level across the specified area.
Details: Accurate lighting calculation ensures adequate illumination for countertop tasks, prevents eye strain, and creates a comfortable working environment while optimizing energy efficiency.
Tips: Enter the recommended footcandles for countertop lighting (typically 50-100 lm/ft² for general tasks, 300-500 lm/ft² for detailed work) and the area in square feet. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are typical footcandle recommendations for countertops?
A: General countertop tasks require 50-100 footcandles, while detailed work like food preparation may need 300-500 footcandles.
Q2: How do I measure my countertop area?
A: Multiply the length by the width of your countertop in feet. For L-shaped or irregular countertops, break into rectangular sections and sum the areas.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for other surfaces?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any surface area lighting calculation, though footcandle recommendations may vary by application.
Q4: What's the difference between lumens and footcandles?
A: Lumens measure total light output, while footcandles measure illumination level per unit area (1 footcandle = 1 lumen per square foot).
Q5: How do I convert the result to wattage for bulb selection?
A: Divide total lumens by the lumens-per-watt efficiency of your chosen bulbs (LED: 80-100 lm/W, CFL: 50-70 lm/W, incandescent: 10-17 lm/W).