What is the exact conversion factor from cd/m² to foot-lamberts?

1 cd/m² = (1/π) × (0.3048)² × π = 0.291863 fL. For quick mental math, use 0.2919.

What is a foot-lambert?

A foot-lambert (fL) is a unit of luminance equal to 1/π candela per square foot, or approximately 3.4263 cd/m². It was widely used in North American cinema and display industries.

What is the standard cinema screen brightness in cd/m²?

The SMPTE standard for 2D digital cinema is 14 fL ≈ 48 cd/m². DCI specifies 48 fL ≈ 164 cd/m² for flat (non-3D) presentations in some contexts.

Are nits and cd/m² the same?

Yes. "Nit" is an informal name for candela per square meter (cd/m²). Both terms mean the same thing and are used interchangeably for display brightness.

How do I convert foot-lamberts back to cd/m²?

Divide by 0.291863, or equivalently multiply by 3.42626. The Swap button on this tool does this automatically.

cd/m² to Foot-lamberts Converter

Name: cd/m² to Foot-lamberts Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Convert luminance from candela per square meter (cd/m²) to foot-lamberts (fL) instantly — 1 cd/m² = 0.291863 fL.

Enter Luminance Value

Candela per square meter (cd/m²)

Foot-lamberts (fL)

Conversion Result

Enter a value on the left to see the result.

Conversion Factor

1 cd/m² 0.291863 fL

1 fL 3.42626 cd/m²

14 fL (cinema 2D) ≈ 47.97 cd/m²

48 fL (cinema flat) ≈ 164.46 cd/m²

Common Display Brightnesses

Laptop screen (typical) 250–400 cd/m²

HDR TV (peak) 1,000 cd/m²

Cinema screen (SMPTE 2D) 48 cd/m²

Overcast sky ~1,000 cd/m²

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Summary

Convert luminance from candela per square meter (cd/m²) to foot-lamberts (fL) instantly — 1 cd/m² = 0.291863 fL.

How it works

Enter a luminance value in cd/m² (nits) in the input field.
The converter applies the factor: fL = cd/m² × 0.291863.
The result in foot-lamberts appears instantly below the input.
Use the Swap button to convert in the reverse direction (fL to cd/m²).
Copy either value to the clipboard with the Copy button.

Use cases

Calibrating cinema projectors to the SMPTE standard of 14 fL.
Comparing monitor brightness specs listed in nits against legacy fL ratings.
Lighting engineering calculations for theater and display environments.
Converting HDR TV peak brightness (1000 cd/m²) to foot-lamberts for comparison.
Verifying compliance with DCI projection standards (48 fL for 3D, 14 fL for 2D).
Academic or exam problems requiring luminance unit conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu