Nits to cd/m² Converter
Enter a luminance value in nits and instantly see the equivalent in cd/m² — the values are equal by definition, with a brightness reference table for context.
Enter Luminance in Nits
Result in cd/m²
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Definition: 1 nit = 1 cd/m² (exact, by definition)
Brightness Reference
| Nits / cd/m² | Source / Context |
|---|---|
| 0.05 | E-ink display (reflective) |
| 1 | Candle at ~1 m distance |
| 48 | Cinema screen (DCI standard) |
| 250 | Typical laptop display |
| 400 | Standard HDR400 monitor |
| 1,000 | HDR1000 display / bright phone |
| 4,000 | Reference HDR monitor (peak) |
| 10,000 | HDR10,000 display peak |
| 30,000 | Overcast sky |
| 1,600,000,000 | Solar disk (direct) |
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Summary
Enter a luminance value in nits and instantly see the equivalent in cd/m² — the values are equal by definition, with a brightness reference table for context.
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: 2026-07-24 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu