Convert luminance accurately between candela per square metre (nits), candela per square centimetre, stilb, apostilb, lambert, and foot-lambert with precise π-based relationships.
Example: a display luminance of 300 cd/m² (nits). How many foot-lamberts is that?
Result87.559052 fL 300 cd/m² = 87.559052 fL
One-unit equivalent1 cd/m² = 0.291864 fL A quick way to understand the relationship between the two units.
✓ Conversion factors match data and definitions from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
How is the conversion calculated?The value is converted first to candela per square metre, the SI unit of luminance, then to the requested unit. Units that depend on π, such as lambert and foot-lambert, are calculated from the π relationship rather than a shortened decimal factor.
This calculation runs in your browser. Your values are not sent to our server.
Enter a luminance value, then choose the current and target units.
Example: 300 cd/m² (nits) equals about 87.559052 foot-lamberts.
The converter uses candela per square metre, the SI unit of luminance, as its internal reference.
NIST lists 1 stilb = 10,000 cd/m², about 1 lambert = 3183.099 cd/m², and about 1 foot-lambert = 3.426259 cd/m².
Rather than storing shortened decimal factors for lambert and foot-lambert, the engine calculates their π relationships directly and derives foot-lambert from the exact international foot of 0.3048 metre.
This tool converts luminance only. It does not mix luminance with illuminance units such as lux or foot-candles.
FAQ
Is a nit the same as cd/m²?
Yes. Nit is a commonly used name for one candela per square metre.
How many cd/m² are in 1 foot-lambert?
1 foot-lambert is about 3.4262590996 candela per square metre when calculated from π and the exact international foot.
How many cd/m² are in 1 lambert?
1 lambert equals 10,000/π candela per square metre, or about 3183.09886184 cd/m².
What is an apostilb?
1 apostilb equals 1/π candela per square metre, or about 0.3183098862 cd/m².
Is luminance the same as illuminance?
No. Luminance describes light emitted or reflected in a direction and uses units such as cd/m², while illuminance describes light falling on a surface and uses lux.