Luminance Converter
Enter a value below to convert between metric, imperial, and standard luminance units.
Convert Luminance
Enter a value and select the units to convert between candelas per sq. meter (nits), kilocandelas per square meter, and stilbs.
You can change the units using the dropdowns above or click on a unit button.
Common Luminance Reference Points
Here are some common luminance values in Candela per Square Meter (Nit) (cd/m²), Kilocandela per Square Meter (kcd/m²), and Stilb (cd/cm²) (sb). Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
| Description | Candela per Square Meter (Nit) (cd/m²) | Kilocandela per Square Meter (kcd/m²) | Stilb (cd/cm²) (sb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 candela per square meter (nit) unit | 1 | 0.001 | 0.0001 |
| 5 candelas per sq. meter (nits) | 5 | 0.005 | 0.0005 |
| 10 candelas per sq. meter (nits) benchmark | 10 | 0.01 | 0.001 |
| 25 candelas per sq. meter (nits) | 25 | 0.025 | 0.0025 |
| 50 candelas per sq. meter (nits) | 50 | 0.05 | 0.005 |
| 100 candelas per sq. meter (nits) reference | 100 | 0.1 | 0.01 |
Luminance Conversion Formulas
Use the following formulas to convert between candelas per sq. meter (nits), kilocandelas per square meter, and stilbs.
All luminance conversions are anchored to the international SI base unit (Candela per Square Meter (Nit)) for full scientific and engineering accuracy.
More Candela per Square Meter & Kilocandela per Square Meter Conversions
Convert from Candelas per Sq. Meter
Frequently Asked Questions
All Luminance Conversion Calculators (6)
Select any dedicated luminance pair below for worked examples and printable tables
Category Conversion Matrix
Simultaneous comparison of 6 units in this category
Luminance Unit Definitions & Symbols
Candela per Square Meter (Nit) (cd/m²)
SISI display brightness and luminance unit (1 nit = 1 cd/m²).
Kilocandela per Square Meter (kcd/m²)
METRICEqual to 1,000 nits (cd/m²).
Stilb (cd/cm²) (sb)
METRICCGS luminance unit equal to 10,000 cd/m².
Lambert (L)
METRICEqual to (10,000/π) ≈ 3,183.099 cd/m².
Foot-lambert (fL)
US CUSTOMARYCinema projection luminance unit (1/π cd/ft² ≈ 3.426 cd/m²).
Candela per Square Foot (cd/ft²)
US CUSTOMARYEqual to 10.7639 cd/m².
References
- [1]NIST HB 133 StandardNIST (NIST HB 133 / SP 811)·Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods, Handbook 133 - 2019 Edition & NIST SP 811
- [2]BIPM SI BrochureBIPM (BIPM SI-9)·The International System of Units (SI Brochure, 9th Edition)
- [3]NIST SP 811 Appendix B.9NIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9)·NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.9: Factors for Units Listed by Kind of Quantity or Field of Science