Lumens: A Beginner's Guide to Measuring Light Output

Light output, or luminous flux, is the measurement of light emitted from a source. Lumens are the most commonly used unit to measure light output and are used to measure the total amount of visible light emitted from a source. A lumen is defined as “the luminous flux per unit solid angle per unit projected area of the source,” meaning that a lumen measures the amount of light that is emitted from a source in all directions.

Lumens are useful for measuring light output because they enable you to compare different sources of light and determine which one is the most efficient. When shopping for lighting products, you’ll often find a lumen rating listed on the packaging, which allows you to compare the amount of light different products emit.

When measuring light output, it’s important to understand two related terms: lux and foot-candles. Lux is a measurement of how much light is received on a given surface area, and foot-candles measure how much light is received over a given area. The difference between the two is that lux measures light that is received from all directions, while foot-candles measure light that is received from a single direction.

When shopping for lighting products, you’ll often find both lumen and lux ratings listed on the packaging. Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted, while lux measures the amount of light received on a given surface area.

When selecting lighting products, it’s important to consider the size of the space you’re trying to light. Different products will have different lumen ratings, so you’ll want to make sure you select a product that will provide enough light for the space you’re trying to light. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of light you’re looking for. Different light sources emit different types of light, such as warm or cool, so you’ll want to select a product that produces the type of light you’re looking for.

It’s also important to consider the color temperature of the light you’re selecting. Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin, with lower numbers being warmer and higher numbers being cooler. Different lighting products will have different color temperatures, so you’ll want to make sure you select a product that produces the type of light you’re looking for.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the efficiency of the lighting product you’re selecting. Different products will have different efficiency ratings, so you’ll want to select a product that produces the most light for the least amount of energy.

Understanding lumens, lux, and foot-candles is key to selecting the right lighting products for your space. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to select products that produce the right amount of light for your space, the right type of light, and the right color temperature for your needs.