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Luminance Converter

Convert between candela/m², nits, lamberts, and other light units.

Luminance Converter

Convert between candela/m², nits, lamberts, and other light units.

Understanding the Converter

Luminance is a photometric measure of the luminous intensity per unit area of light travelling in a given direction. It describes the amount of light that passes through, is emitted from, or is reflected from a particular area, and falls within a given solid angle.

All conversions use candela per square meter (cd/m²), the SI unit, as a base reference to ensure accuracy.

Formula Used

Standardized Conversion Process

To ensure accuracy, all conversions use the candela/square meter (cd/m²) as a common base unit.

  1. Convert to cd/m²: The input value is converted to cd/m² by multiplying it by its conversion factor.
  2. Convert to Target Unit: The cd/m² value is then converted to the desired final unit by dividing it by the target unit's conversion factor.

Related Converters

A Guide to Units of Luminance

Luminance describes the "brightness" of a surface, crucial for display technology, lighting design, and astronomy.

Common Luminance Units

UnitDefinition & Context
Candela/m² (or Nit)The SI unit of luminance. It measures luminous intensity per unit area. "Nit" is a non-SI name for the same unit (1 nit = 1 cd/m²), commonly used for display brightness.
Lambert (L)An older, CGS unit of luminance. 1 Lambert = 1/π candela/cm². Rarely used today.
Foot-lambert (fL)An imperial unit of luminance, used in the US film and display industries. It's the luminance of a surface emitting or reflecting one lumen per square foot.

Common Conversions at a Glance

FromToEquivalent Value
1 Candela/m²Nit1 nit
1 Candela/m²Foot-lambert (fL)~0.29 fL
1 Foot-lambert (fL)Candela/m²~3.426 cd/m²

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Luminance and Illuminance?

Luminance is the light emitted from a surface (like a screen), measured in nits or cd/m². Illuminance is the light falling onto a surface, measured in lux or foot-candles. Think of luminance as "brightness" and illuminance as "light level."

What does 'nits' on a TV or phone spec sheet mean?

"Nits" is a common term for candela per square meter (cd/m²) and measures the brightness of a display. A higher nit value means a brighter screen, which is better for viewing in bright environments or for HDR content.

What is a good nit value for a display?

A typical laptop screen has 200-300 nits. For HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, TVs and monitors often aim for peak brightness levels of 600 to over 1000 nits.

What is a foot-lambert?

The foot-lambert (fL) is a unit of luminance used in the American film and cinema industry. The standard brightness for a commercial movie theater screen is 16 fL.

Summary

The Luminance Converter is a specialized tool for professionals in display technology, lighting design, and video production, enabling easy conversions between metric and imperial units of light intensity.

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Luminance Converter

Convert between candela/m², nits, lamberts, and other light units.

How to use Luminance Converter

Step-by-step guide to using the Luminance Converter:

  1. Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
  2. Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
  3. Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the Luminance Converter?

Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Luminance Converter is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.

Is the Luminance Converter free to use?

Yes, the Luminance Converter is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.

Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?

Yes, the Luminance Converter is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Are the results from Luminance Converter accurate?

Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.