How to Measure Light Lumens
Light lumens measure the power of a light-generating object. You can find this information using a standard light meter and basic math. Light meters typically measure the light on an object in foot candles. Find the number of foot candles and convert that number to lumens to determine the lumens a light is giving off. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn on the light source you're attempting to measure.
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2
Place a light meter as close to your subject as possible. A subject can be any person or object in a room that the light from your light source is hitting. Face the sensor on the light meter towards your light source. Press the button on your light meter to determine how much light is hitting your subject, measured in foot candles.
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3
Determine the total area of the room housing your light source. Measure its length, width and height. Multiply the length, width and height together to find the area in square feet.
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4
Multiply the foot candles from "Step 2" by the number of square feet in your room in "Step 3." One foot candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
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