If you’re wondering what is candela vs lumen vs lux, you’re not alone. These three lighting terms often come up when choosing bulbs, designing lighting setups, or comparing brightness levels.
While they are closely related, they measure different aspects of light. Let’s explore their definitions and differences in a simple and clear way.
Definition of Candela
Candela is the unit that measures luminous intensity. It tells you how strong the light is in a specific direction. Think of it like the brightness of a candle from a particular angle.
Want to convert candela to other units? Try this Candela to Lux converter or Candela to Lumen converter.
Definition of Lumen
Lumen measures the total amount of visible light a source emits. It represents brightness in all directions.
Need to convert lumen to candela? Use this handy Lumens to Candela calculator.
Definition of Lux
Lux measures illumination or light intensity on a surface. One lux equals one lumen per square meter. It tells you how well-lit a space is.
Differences Between Candela vs Lumen vs Lux
| Feature | Candela (cd) | Lumen (lm) | Lux (lx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Light intensity in a direction | Total visible light output | Light falling on a surface |
| Use case | Flashlights, laser pointers | Light bulb brightness | Lighting levels in a room or office |
| Relation to distance | Directional, not affected by area | Total output regardless of distance | Depends on area (more area = lower lux) |
| Unit base | SI base unit for luminous intensity | Derived unit for luminous flux | Derived unit for illuminance |
Comparison Table
The above comparison table makes it easy to spot the differences between candela vs lumen vs lux. It helps homeowners, designers, and engineers pick the right light measurement for their goals.
For more tools and quick conversions, visit our Lighting Converters section.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between candela vs lumen vs lux is crucial when choosing lighting.
Use candela for directional brightness, lumen for total output, and lux for surface brightness.
This knowledge ensures you get the right light for your specific needs.