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Convert display brightness between nits, candela per square meter, and foot-lamberts
1 nit = 1 candela per square meter (cd/m²) - These units are equivalent! A "nit" is simply the informal name for cd/m² used in display technology.
1 nit = 1 cd/m² (exactly)
1 nit = 0.2919 foot-lamberts (fL)
1 foot-lambert = 3.426 nits
| Nits (nt) | Candela/m² (cd/m²) | Foot-Lamberts (fL) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 100 | 29.19 |
| 250 | 250 | 72.98 |
| 400 | 400 | 116.76 |
| 500 | 500 | 145.95 |
| 600 | 600 | 175.14 |
| 800 | 800 | 233.52 |
| 1000 | 1000 | 291.90 |
| 1500 | 1500 | 437.85 |
Typical brightness levels for common displays and screens (measured in nits/cd/m²):
| Device/Display Type | Nits | cd/m² | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (typical) | 500-800 | 500-800 | Everyday use |
| Smartphone (bright) | 1000-1500 | 1000-1500 | Outdoor visibility |
| Computer Monitor (SDR) | 250-350 | 250-350 | Indoor office |
| HDR Monitor | 400-600 | 400-600 | Content creation |
| HDR TV (Standard) | 500-800 | 500-800 | HDR content |
| HDR TV (Premium) | 1000-2000 | 1000-2000 | High-end HDR |
| Cinema Screen | 48 | 48 | Movie theaters |
| Tablet (iPad) | 500-600 | 500-600 | Indoor/outdoor |
| Laptop Display | 300-400 | 300-400 | General use |
| Professional Reference Monitor | 1000+ | 1000+ | HDR mastering |
A nit is a unit of luminance equal to one candela per square meter (cd/m²). The term "nit" comes from the Latin word "nitere" meaning "to shine." While not an official SI unit, it is widely used in the display industry to measure screen brightness. Nits are the standard measurement for display specifications in smartphones, tablets, monitors, and TVs.
Candela per square meter (cd/m²) is the SI derived unit of luminance. It measures the intensity of light emitted or reflected from a surface, per unit area. One candela is defined as the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540×10¹² Hz with a radiant intensity of 1/683 watt per steradian.
The relationship is simple: 1 nit = 1 cd/m² exactly. They are the same measurement expressed with different names. The display industry prefers "nits" because it's shorter and easier to say than "candela per square meter." When you see a phone advertised as having "1000 nits of brightness," it means 1000 cd/m².
Display brightness is crucial for visibility in different lighting conditions. Higher brightness levels (measured in nits) are essential for:
Foot-lamberts (fL) is an imperial unit of luminance still used in some industries, particularly cinema. The conversion is: 1 nit = 0.2919 foot-lamberts. Movie theaters typically project at 14-16 fL (about 48 nits), which is much dimmer than modern displays but appropriate for dark viewing environments.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) standards define minimum brightness requirements:
Yes, they are exactly the same. 1 nit = 1 cd/m². "Nit" is simply the informal term commonly used in the display industry, while "candela per square meter" is the formal SI unit name.
For comfortable outdoor viewing in direct sunlight, you typically need at least 800-1000 nits. Premium smartphones often offer 1000-1500 nits or more for excellent outdoor visibility. Indoor displays usually range from 250-500 nits.
For true HDR experience, displays should have at least 400 nits peak brightness, though 600-1000 nits is recommended for better results. High-end HDR TVs and monitors can reach 1000-2000+ nits for exceptional HDR performance with bright highlights and deep blacks.
Cinema screens typically operate at 48 nits (14 fL) because theaters are completely dark environments. The human eye adapts to darkness, making lower brightness levels more comfortable. Additionally, projectors have different brightness characteristics than emissive displays like OLED or LCD screens.
Excessive brightness can cause eye strain and fatigue, especially in dim environments. Most devices automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light. It's best to use lower brightness in dark rooms and higher brightness in bright environments to reduce eye strain.