UnitConLuminance
Luminance measures the amount of light emitted, reflected, or transmitted from a surface in a specific direction. The nit, which is the same as candela per square meter, is the familiar unit for display brightness. This converter helps compare screen, signage, cinema, and imaging brightness units. It is useful for designers, photographers, and engineers.
Common conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) | 0.2918635 Foot-Lambert |
| 300 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) | 87.55905 Foot-Lambert |
| 500 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) | 145.9318 Foot-Lambert |
| 1000 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) | 291.8635 Foot-Lambert |
| 1 Stilb | 10,000 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) |
| 1 Foot-Lambert | 3.426259 Candela per Square Meter (Nit) |
Frequently asked questions
A nit is one candela per square meter. It is the standard unit used for monitors, TVs, phones, and other displays.
Typical comfortable monitor settings depend on ambient light, but many standard displays are rated in the few-hundred-nit range. Brighter environments often require higher luminance.
Luminance describes light coming from a surface in a direction, while illuminance describes light falling onto a surface. They measure different parts of a lighting situation.