Light output is measured in?

Light output is measured in lumens because lumens quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a source in all directions. This unit provides a comprehensive measure of light that can be seen by the human eye, making it essential for lighting design and evaluation. When selecting lighting for a space, understanding how many lumens a fixture produces helps ensure adequate illumination for the intended activity.

Footcandles, on the other hand, measure the illumination level on a surface, accounting for the distance of the light source from that surface and the area being illuminated. Color temperature relates to the appearance of the light (whether it feels warm or cool) but does not measure the amount of light emitted. Candlepower measures the intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, which is different from measuring total light output. Thus, lumens serve as the standard unit for assessing overall light output from a source.