Foot-lamberts to cd/m2 Converter

Convert luminance from foot-lamberts (fL) to candela per square meter (cd/m²) instantly — 1 fL ≈ 3.426 cd/m².

Enter Luminance Value

Conversion Result
Enter a value on the left to see the result.
Conversion Factor
1 fL 3.42626 cd/m²
1 cd/m² 0.291863 fL
14 fL (cinema 2D, SMPTE) ≈ 47.97 cd/m²
48 fL (cinema flat) ≈ 164.46 cd/m²
Common Luminance References
Cinema 2D screen (SMPTE) 14 fL
Laptop screen (typical) 73–117 fL
HDR TV peak ~292 fL
Overcast sky ~292 fL
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Summary

Convert luminance from foot-lamberts (fL) to candela per square meter (cd/m²) instantly — 1 fL ≈ 3.426 cd/m².

How it works

  1. Enter a luminance value in foot-lamberts (fL) in the input field.
  2. The converter applies the exact factor: cd/m² = fL × 3.42626.
  3. The result in candela per square meter appears instantly.
  4. Use the Swap button to convert in the reverse direction (cd/m² to fL).
  5. Copy either value to the clipboard with the Copy button.

Use cases

  • Converting cinema projector specs from foot-lamberts to modern cd/m² (nit) ratings.
  • Comparing legacy display brightness specs (fL) against current HDR display peak nits.
  • Lighting engineering calculations for theater and projection environments.
  • Verifying that a projector meets the SMPTE 14 fL standard (≈ 48 cd/m²) for 2D cinema.
  • Academic or exam problems requiring luminance unit conversions.
  • Translating older photometric datasheets into SI units for modern reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu