Luminance Converter - Convert cd/m², nit, lambert & More Units
Result:
1 cd/m² = 1 nit
How Luminance Conversion Works
Input Value
Enter luminance value
Select Units
Choose from and to units
Convert
Apply conversion formula
Luminance Conversion Formulas
cd/m² to nit:
nit = cd/m² × 1
Example: 100 cd/m² = 100 × 1 = 100 nit
cd/m² to lambert:
L = cd/m² ÷ 3183.0988618
Example: 1000 cd/m² = 1000 ÷ 3183.099 = 0.314159 L
cd/m² to stilb:
sb = cd/m² ÷ 10000
Example: 50000 cd/m² = 50000 ÷ 10000 = 5 sb
cd/m² to foot-lambert:
fL = cd/m² ÷ 3.4262590996
Example: 100 cd/m² = 100 ÷ 3.4263 = 29.186 fL
Luminance Conversion Table
| cd/m² | nit | lambert | stilb | foot-lambert | apostilb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.100000 | 0.000031 | 0.0000 | 0.029 | 0.314 |
| 0.5 | 0.500000 | 0.000157 | 0.0001 | 0.146 | 1.571 |
| 1 | 1 | 0.000314 | 0.0001 | 0.292 | 3.142 |
| 5 | 5 | 0.001571 | 0.0005 | 1.459 | 15.708 |
| 10 | 10 | 0.003142 | 0.0010 | 2.919 | 31.416 |
| 50 | 50 | 0.015708 | 0.0050 | 14.593 | 157.080 |
| 100 | 100 | 0.031416 | 0.0100 | 29.186 | 314.159 |
| 500 | 500 | 0.157080 | 0.0500 | 145.932 | 1570.796 |
| 1000 | 1000 | 0.314159 | 0.1000 | 291.864 | 3141.593 |
| 5000 | 5000 | 1.570796 | 0.5000 | 1459.318 | 15707.963 |
| 10000 | 10000 | 3.141593 | 1.0000 | 2918.635 | 31415.927 |
| 50000 | 50000 | 15.707963 | 5.0000 | 14593.175 | 157079.633 |
| 100000 | 100000 | 31.415927 | 10.0000 | 29186.351 | 314159.265 |
| 500000 | 500000 | 157.079633 | 50.0000 | 145931.754 | 1570796.327 |
| 1000000 | 1000000 | 314.159265 | 100.0000 | 291863.508 | 3141592.654 |
Luminance Units Progression Chart
0.1 cd/m²
1 cd/m²
10 cd/m²
100 cd/m²
1000 cd/m²
10000 cd/m²
Practice Problems
Problem 1:
Convert 250 cd/m² to nit
Solution: 250 × 1 = 250 nit
Problem 2:
Convert 0.5 lambert to cd/m²
Solution: 0.5 × 3183.1 = 1591.5 cd/m²
Problem 3:
Convert 2 stilb to cd/m²
Solution: 2 × 10000 = 20000 cd/m²
Problem 4:
Convert 100 foot-lambert to cd/m²
Solution: 100 × 3.426 = 342.6 cd/m²
Problem 5:
Convert 1000 apostilb to cd/m²
Solution: 1000 × 0.318 = 318 cd/m²
What is Luminance?
Luminance is the brightness of a surface. It tells us how much light comes from a surface in a specific direction. We measure luminance in different units like cd/m², nit, lambert, and stilb.
The luminance converter helps you change between these units easily. For example, you can convert cd/m² to nit or lambert to stilb. This is useful when working with screens, lights, or any bright surfaces.
Our luminance calculator makes these conversions simple. Just enter your value, pick your units, and get instant results. The tool works with all common brightness units used in science and industry.
Common Luminance Units Explained
Candela per square meter (cd/m²)
This is the main unit for measuring luminance. Most scientific work uses cd/m². It shows how many candelas of light come from each square meter of surface.
Example: A computer screen might have 200 cd/m² brightness
Nit
A nit is exactly the same as cd/m². The name "nit" is shorter and easier to say. TV and phone makers often use nits to describe screen brightness.
Example: A bright phone screen has 1000 nits
Lambert (L)
Lambert is an older unit for luminance. One lambert equals about 3183 cd/m². Scientists sometimes use it for very bright surfaces.
Example: Fresh snow in sunlight is about 0.3 lambert
Stilb (sb)
Stilb is used for very bright things. One stilb equals 10,000 cd/m². This unit helps measure extremely bright light sources.
Example: The sun's surface is about 200,000 stilb
Foot-lambert (fL)
This unit is common in the United States. One foot-lambert equals about 3.43 cd/m². Movie theaters and projectors often use this measurement.
Example: A movie screen shows about 16 foot-lambert
Apostilb (asb)
Apostilb measures dim surfaces. One apostilb equals about 0.32 cd/m². This unit works well for low-light measurements.
Example: A full moon gives about 0.25 apostilb
Why Use Our Luminance Converter?
Easy to Use
Our luminance calculator is simple. Just type your number, pick your units, and see the answer right away. No complex math needed. The converter does all the work for you.
All Units Included
Convert between cd/m², nit, lambert, stilb, foot-lambert, and apostilb. Our tool has all the common luminance units you need for work or study.
Accurate Results
Get precise conversions every time. Our luminance converter uses exact formulas to give you the right answer. Perfect for professional work and scientific calculations.
Free to Use
No cost, no sign-up needed. Use our luminance calculator as much as you want. Great for students, engineers, and anyone working with light measurements.
Real World Luminance Examples
Computer Screens
Typical: 100-300 cd/m²
Monitor brightness affects eye comfort during long work sessions
Smartphone Displays
Range: 400-1200 nits
Higher nits help you see the screen in bright sunlight
TV Screens
Standard: 100-400 cd/m²
HDR TVs can reach 1000+ nits for better picture quality
Car Headlights
LED: 1000+ cd/m²
Proper luminance ensures safe night driving visibility
Office Lighting
Ceiling: 50-200 cd/m²
Good office lighting reduces eye strain and improves work
Movie Theater Screen
About: 48 cd/m²
Standard brightness for comfortable movie watching
How to Use the Luminance Converter
Enter Your Value
Type the luminance number you want to convert. You can use whole numbers or decimals. For example, enter "250" if you have 250 units to convert.
Pick Starting Unit
Choose what unit your number is in. Click the "From" dropdown and select cd/m², nit, lambert, stilb, foot-lambert, or apostilb.
Choose Target Unit
Select what unit you want to convert to. Use the "To" dropdown to pick your desired unit. The converter works with all luminance units.
Get Your Answer
See your result instantly! The luminance calculator shows the converted value right away. No waiting, no extra steps needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cd/m² and nit?
There is no difference! Cd/m² and nit are the same unit. Nit is just a shorter, easier name for cd/m². Both measure luminance in the exact same way. Use whichever name you prefer.
How do I convert lambert to cd/m²?
Multiply lambert by 3183.0988618 to get cd/m². For example: 0.5 lambert × 3183.099 = 1591.5 cd/m². Our luminance converter does this math automatically for you.
Which luminance unit should I use?
Use cd/m² or nit for most work. These are the standard units today. Lambert and stilb are older units but still used sometimes. Foot-lambert is common in the US for displays and lighting.
Is this luminance calculator accurate?
Yes! Our converter uses exact conversion factors from scientific standards. The results are precise and reliable for professional work, research, and education.
Can I convert very large or small luminance values?
Yes, the luminance converter handles any size number. From tiny values like 0.001 cd/m² to huge ones like 1,000,000 nits. Perfect for all types of light measurements.