Is 1 nit the same as 1 cd/m²?

Yes, exactly. The nit is an informal name for the candela per square meter (cd/m²), the SI unit of luminance. 1 nit = 1 cd/m² by definition, with no conversion factor needed.

Why do datasheets use both terms?

Consumer electronics (TVs, monitors, phones) commonly use "nits" because it is shorter and less technical. Professional photometric and scientific documentation typically uses cd/m², the formal SI unit. The values are interchangeable.

Can nits be converted directly to lux?

Not without more information. Nits measure luminance in a direction, while lux measures illuminance arriving at a surface. Geometry, angle and emission or reflection characteristics are required.

What is the difference between luminance and illuminance?

Luminance (measured in nits or cd/m²) describes how much light is emitted or reflected from a surface toward the viewer. Illuminance (measured in lux) describes how much light falls on a surface. A display has luminance; a desktop lit by a lamp has illuminance.

How does nit relate to other luminance units like foot-lamberts?

1 foot-lambert = 3.426 cd/m² (nits). Cinema projector brightness is often rated in foot-lamberts; a typical cinema target is 14 fL, which equals about 48 nits.

Can I use this tool for camera or photography exposure calculations?

Yes. Many exposure and photometric formulas use cd/m² for scene luminance. If you have a luminance reading from a spot meter in nits, the cd/m² value is identical and can be used directly in those formulas.

Nits to cd/m² Converter

Enter nits to get the identical cd/m² value plus foot-lamberts. One nit is one candela per square metre by definition; lux is not directly interchangeable.

Enter Luminance in Nits

Nits (nt)

Result in cd/m²

—

— foot-lamberts

Definition: 1 nit = 1 cd/m² (exact, by definition)

Identity and related units

nits → cd/m²: multiply by 1.

nits → foot-lamberts: multiply by π × 0.09290304, approximately 0.291864.

Do not substitute lux: lux measures illuminance, not luminance. A direct conversion needs optical geometry or surface properties.

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Summary

Enter nits to get the identical cd/m² value plus foot-lamberts. One nit is one candela per square metre by definition; lux is not directly interchangeable.

How it works

Enter a luminance value in nits in the input field.
The converter applies the exact factor: 1 nt = 1 cd/m².
The result in cd/m² appears instantly as you type.
Use the Copy button to copy the result to your clipboard.
Scroll down to the reference table to compare your value against common display and lighting brightness levels.

Use cases

Verify luminance specs when a datasheet lists brightness in nits but your workflow uses cd/m².
Compare display brightness ratings across manufacturer specs that use different notation.
Translate HDR peak brightness values (nits) into cd/m² for photometric calculations.
Confirm display calibration targets when switching between monitor documentation formats.
Check ambient lighting luminance for photography or cinematography planning.
Understand brightness levels when reading TV or monitor reviews that mix notation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu