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Candela Square Meter Converter

Convert Candela Square Meter to Lumen Square Foot Steradian and more • 19 conversions

Result

0

1 0
Conversion Formula
1 = ---
Quick Reference
1 = 1
10 = 10
50 = 50
100 = 100
500 = 500
1000 = 1000

Unit Explanations

Candela per Square Metercd/m²

Source Unit

The candela per square meter (cd/m²), commonly referred to as 'nits', is a derived unit of luminance in the International System of Units (SI). It quantifies the luminous intensity emitted by a surface in a given direction per unit area. Specifically, it defines how much light is emitted from a surface that has a luminous intensity of one candela and covers an area of one square meter. This unit is crucial in fields such as photography, display technology, and lighting design, as it allows for the assessment of brightness and visual comfort. The concept of luminance is fundamental in understanding how light interacts with surfaces and affects human perception. It plays a vital role in optimizing lighting conditions and evaluating the performance of displays and lighting fixtures in various environments.

L = I / A

Current Use

The candela per square meter is widely used across various industries, including electronics, automotive, architecture, and photography. In the electronics industry, it is crucial for evaluating display brightness in televisions, computer monitors, and smartphones, influencing consumer choices and design standards. In the automotive sector, luminance standards ensure that dashboard displays and exterior lights meet safety regulations. Architectural lighting design relies on cd/m² to create visually appealing environments while ensuring adequate illumination levels. In photography, achieving the correct luminance is essential for proper exposure and image quality. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan have adopted this unit in their standards for light measurement, contributing to a global understanding of luminance.

Fun Fact

The term 'nit' is derived from the Latin word 'nitere', meaning 'to shine'.

Lumen Square Foot Steradianlm·ft²·sr⁻¹

Target Unit

The lumen square foot steradian (lm·ft²·sr⁻¹) is a derived metric unit representing luminous intensity distributed over a square foot area within a solid angle of one steradian. It encapsulates how much light is emitted in a particular direction per unit of area and is particularly relevant in fields where illumination and visual perception are critical. This unit is especially useful when evaluating lighting in environments where light may be diffused or absorbed differently across surfaces. The relationship between luminance (in lumens per square foot) and solid angle (in steradians) allows for a comprehensive understanding of light distribution in three-dimensional spaces, facilitating effective illumination design and analysis.

Luminous Intensity (lm·ft²·sr⁻¹) = Luminous Flux (lm) / (Area (ft²) * Solid Angle (sr))

Current Use

The lumen square foot steradian is utilized across various industries where precise lighting measurements are critical, such as architecture, film production, and photography. In architecture, this unit aids in evaluating the effectiveness of artificial lighting in creating desired atmospheres while minimizing energy consumption. In the film industry, it assists cinematographers in determining optimal lighting setups to achieve visual aesthetics. Additionally, in photography, understanding luminance helps photographers set exposure levels accurately. Countries like the United States, where traditional units are prevalent, commonly use this measurement, though it is becoming more recognized in international contexts as global standards evolve. The automotive industry also applies this unit in headlight design, ensuring that light distribution provides adequate visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic.

Fun Fact

The lumen is defined based on the sensitivity of the human eye to light, making it a subjective measurement.

Decimals:
Scientific:OFF

Result

0

1
0
Conversion Formula
1 = ...
1→1
10→10
100→100
1000→1000

šŸ“Conversion Formula

= Ɨ 1.00000

How to Convert

To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.

Quick Examples

1
=
1.000
10
=
10.00
100
=
100.0

šŸ’” Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.

cd/m²

Candela per Square Meter

luminance • Non-SI

Definition

The candela per square meter (cd/m²), commonly referred to as 'nits', is a derived unit of luminance in the International System of Units (SI). It quantifies the luminous intensity emitted by a surface in a given direction per unit area. Specifically, it defines how much light is emitted from a surface that has a luminous intensity of one candela and covers an area of one square meter. This unit is crucial in fields such as photography, display technology, and lighting design, as it allows for the assessment of brightness and visual comfort. The concept of luminance is fundamental in understanding how light interacts with surfaces and affects human perception. It plays a vital role in optimizing lighting conditions and evaluating the performance of displays and lighting fixtures in various environments.

History & Origin

The candela per square meter originated from the need to measure light's visual impact on surfaces. In the early 20th century, the understanding of light properties and their effects on human vision was still developing. The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) conducted extensive research to define standards for various light measurements. The candela, established as the SI base unit of luminous intensity in 1979, became integral to this system. The derivation of luminance from the candela marked a significant step in quantifying light's interaction with surfaces, thereby enhancing the precision of lighting design and evaluation.

Etymology: The term 'candela' is derived from the Latin word for 'candle', reflecting the historical use of candles as a standard light source.

1979: The candela was defined as the...1993: The candela per square meter w...

Current Use

The candela per square meter is widely used across various industries, including electronics, automotive, architecture, and photography. In the electronics industry, it is crucial for evaluating display brightness in televisions, computer monitors, and smartphones, influencing consumer choices and design standards. In the automotive sector, luminance standards ensure that dashboard displays and exterior lights meet safety regulations. Architectural lighting design relies on cd/m² to create visually appealing environments while ensuring adequate illumination levels. In photography, achieving the correct luminance is essential for proper exposure and image quality. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan have adopted this unit in their standards for light measurement, contributing to a global understanding of luminance.

ElectronicsAutomotiveArchitecturePhotography

šŸ’” Fun Facts

  • •The term 'nit' is derived from the Latin word 'nitere', meaning 'to shine'.
  • •A common household candle emits approximately 1 candela of light intensity.
  • •In 2020, the global market for display luminance testing equipment was estimated to exceed $1 billion.

šŸ“ Real-World Examples

500 cd/m²
Brightness of a smartphone screen
300 cd/m²
Office lighting recommendation
600 cd/m²
TV display brightness
400 cd/m²
Automotive dashboard display
1000 cd/m²
Outdoor advertising display
200 cd/m²
Photography lighting setup

šŸ”— Related Units

Candela (Base unit of luminous intensity from which cd/m² is derived.)Lumen (Measures the total quantity of visible light emitted; related to cd/m² by area.)Lux (Measures illuminance; 1 lux = 1 cd/m² when over a 1 square meter area.)Steradian (Unit of solid angle; helps define luminous intensity in three-dimensional space.)Foot-Candle (A non-SI unit of illuminance; related to cd/m² through conversion factors.)Nits (Common name for cd/m², especially in display technology.)
lm·ft²·sr⁻¹

Lumen Square Foot Steradian

luminance • Non-SI

Definition

The lumen square foot steradian (lm·ft²·sr⁻¹) is a derived metric unit representing luminous intensity distributed over a square foot area within a solid angle of one steradian. It encapsulates how much light is emitted in a particular direction per unit of area and is particularly relevant in fields where illumination and visual perception are critical. This unit is especially useful when evaluating lighting in environments where light may be diffused or absorbed differently across surfaces. The relationship between luminance (in lumens per square foot) and solid angle (in steradians) allows for a comprehensive understanding of light distribution in three-dimensional spaces, facilitating effective illumination design and analysis.

History & Origin

The lumen square foot steradian unit emerged from the necessity to quantify how light interacts with surfaces, particularly in architectural and urban planning contexts. The lumen itself has roots in the Latin word 'lumen,' meaning light, and was standardized in the 20th century to represent the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The square foot is a traditional unit of area primarily used in the United States and other countries that have not fully adopted the metric system. The concept of the steradian as a unit of solid angle was formalized in the early 20th century, further enhancing the ability to measure how light disperses in three-dimensional space. As lighting technologies advanced, particularly with the advent of LEDs and sophisticated display technologies, the need for precise measures of luminance became paramount, leading to the adoption of this composite unit.

Etymology: The term 'lumen' derives from the Latin word for light, while 'steradian' is derived from the Greek words 'stereos,' meaning solid, and 'adian,' meaning angle. The square foot is a straightforward English term combining 'square' and 'foot,' indicating a two-dimensional area.

1927: Introduction of the lumen as a...1948: Formal definition of the stera...1959: Standardization of the square ...

Current Use

The lumen square foot steradian is utilized across various industries where precise lighting measurements are critical, such as architecture, film production, and photography. In architecture, this unit aids in evaluating the effectiveness of artificial lighting in creating desired atmospheres while minimizing energy consumption. In the film industry, it assists cinematographers in determining optimal lighting setups to achieve visual aesthetics. Additionally, in photography, understanding luminance helps photographers set exposure levels accurately. Countries like the United States, where traditional units are prevalent, commonly use this measurement, though it is becoming more recognized in international contexts as global standards evolve. The automotive industry also applies this unit in headlight design, ensuring that light distribution provides adequate visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic.

ArchitectureFilm ProductionPhotographyAutomotiveTheaterInterior Design

šŸ’” Fun Facts

  • •The lumen is defined based on the sensitivity of the human eye to light, making it a subjective measurement.
  • •One steradian covers approximately 12.57% of the surface of a sphere.
  • •The concept of lumens was first formalized in the early 20th century, coinciding with advancements in electric lighting.

šŸ“ Real-World Examples

100 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
Lighting in a photography studio
150 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
Theatrical lighting for a stage
200 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
Headlight illumination in a vehicle
75 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
Office lighting design
80 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
LED bulb lumens per square foot
120 lm·ft²·sr⁻¹
Retail display lighting

šŸ”— Related Units

Lumen (Basic unit of luminous flux.)Foot-Candle (Illuminance equivalent to one lumen per square foot.)Candela (Base unit of luminous intensity.)Lux (Illuminance equivalent to one lumen per square meter.)Nit (Luminance equivalent to one candela per square meter.)Steradian (Unit of solid angle.)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert to ?ā–¼

To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .

What is the formula for to conversion?ā–¼

The formula is: = Ɨ 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.

Is this to converter accurate?ā–¼

Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.

Can I convert back to ?ā–¼

Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.

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