foot candles to lux calculatorlux to foot candlesled lighting levels iesna
Foot-Candles ↔ Lux Calculator
Convert between foot-candles and lux. Includes IESNA recommended illuminance levels for offices, warehouses, retail, and industrial spaces.
50 fc
Input
538 lux
Result
1 foot-candle = 10.764 lux | 1 lux = 0.0929 foot-candles
IESNA Recommended Illuminance Levels
| Space Type | Foot-Candles | Lux | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office (General) | 30–50 fc | 320–540 lux | IESNA RP-1 |
| Office (Detailed Tasks) | 50–75 fc | 540–807 lux | IESNA RP-1 |
| Warehouse (General) | 10–30 fc | 108–323 lux | IESNA RP-2 |
| Warehouse (Picking) | 30–50 fc | 323–538 lux | IESNA RP-2 |
| Retail (General) | 30–50 fc | 323–538 lux | IESNA RP-2 |
| Retail (Display) | 50–100 fc | 538–1076 lux | IESNA RP-2 |
| Classroom | 30–50 fc | 323–538 lux | IESNA RP-3 |
| Hospital (General) | 30–50 fc | 323–538 lux | IESNA RP-29 |
| Manufacturing (Coarse) | 20–50 fc | 215–538 lux | IESNA RP-7 |
| Manufacturing (Fine) | 50–100 fc | 538–1076 lux | IESNA RP-7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert foot-candles to lux?
Multiply foot-candles by 10.764 to get lux. Divide lux by 10.764 to get foot-candles. The conversion factor is based on 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, so 1 fc = 1 lm/ft² = 10.764 lm/m² = 10.764 lux.
How many foot-candles do offices need?
IESNA RP-1 recommends 30–50 fc (320–540 lux) for general office work. Detailed tasks (reading fine print, drafting) require 50–75 fc (540–807 lux). T8 LED tubes (15W–18W) in standard 2×4 troffers typically achieve 40–60 fc at desk level in 9-foot ceiling offices.
What is the minimum foot-candle level for OSHA compliance?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.56 requires minimum 5 fc for general construction areas, 10 fc for general shop areas, 30 fc for offices and first-aid stations, and 50 fc for fine detail work. Most commercial LED tube installations exceed these minimums.