MetricConv logo
Home/Converters/Luminance

Candela Square Meter Converter

Convert Candela Square Meter to Stilb 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'.

Stilbsb

Target Unit

The stilb (symbol: sb) is a unit of measurement for luminance, which quantifies the amount of light emitted or reflected from a surface per unit area. Specifically, it represents the luminous intensity in candelas per square meter (cd/m²), where one stilb corresponds to one candela per square meter. The stilb is particularly useful in fields such as optical engineering, photography, and vision science, allowing for precise quantification of light levels in various contexts. It helps in the assessment of visibility, brightness, and the effectiveness of lighting systems, informing design and safety standards in environments ranging from workplaces to public spaces.

1 sb = 1 cd/m²

Current Use

Today, the stilb is primarily used in specialized fields such as photometry, lighting design, and visual ergonomics. It plays a significant role in industries like film and television, where precise luminance measurements are critical for achieving the desired visual effects and maintaining consistency across lighting setups. In architectural design, the stilb aids in ensuring that spaces are adequately illuminated for comfort and safety. Countries with advanced lighting technology, such as Germany, the United States, and Japan, frequently employ the stilb in research and development to optimize lighting solutions for various applications, including public spaces, work environments, and outdoor areas. Furthermore, the stilb is referenced in regulatory standards for workplace illumination, ensuring compliance with safety and efficiency guidelines.

Fun Fact

The stilb is not as commonly used as other units like the lux, but it provides a more direct measure of luminance.

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.)
sb

Stilb

luminance • Non-SI

Definition

The stilb (symbol: sb) is a unit of measurement for luminance, which quantifies the amount of light emitted or reflected from a surface per unit area. Specifically, it represents the luminous intensity in candelas per square meter (cd/m²), where one stilb corresponds to one candela per square meter. The stilb is particularly useful in fields such as optical engineering, photography, and vision science, allowing for precise quantification of light levels in various contexts. It helps in the assessment of visibility, brightness, and the effectiveness of lighting systems, informing design and safety standards in environments ranging from workplaces to public spaces.

History & Origin

The stilb was introduced in the mid-20th century as a part of the efforts to standardize measurements of light and visibility. The need for a clear and consistent unit arose as industries, particularly those related to photography and theatrical lighting, required reliable metrics to evaluate brightness and luminance. The term 'stilb' is derived from the Greek word 'stilbos,' which means 'shining' or 'gleaming,' reflecting the unit's focus on light. This unit emerged during a period when many contemporary measurement systems were being developed or refined, leading to a more unified approach in scientific and engineering fields.

Etymology: Derived from the Greek word 'stilbos,' meaning 'shining' or 'gleaming.'

1959: Introduction of the stilb as a...

Current Use

Today, the stilb is primarily used in specialized fields such as photometry, lighting design, and visual ergonomics. It plays a significant role in industries like film and television, where precise luminance measurements are critical for achieving the desired visual effects and maintaining consistency across lighting setups. In architectural design, the stilb aids in ensuring that spaces are adequately illuminated for comfort and safety. Countries with advanced lighting technology, such as Germany, the United States, and Japan, frequently employ the stilb in research and development to optimize lighting solutions for various applications, including public spaces, work environments, and outdoor areas. Furthermore, the stilb is referenced in regulatory standards for workplace illumination, ensuring compliance with safety and efficiency guidelines.

Lighting DesignPhotographyFilm ProductionArchitectureAutomotiveVisual Ergonomics

šŸ’” Fun Facts

  • •The stilb is not as commonly used as other units like the lux, but it provides a more direct measure of luminance.
  • •One stilb can be difficult to visualize, as it corresponds to a very specific measurement of brightness.
  • •In photometry, the stilb is particularly useful for evaluating light sources that emit light in multiple directions.

šŸ“ Real-World Examples

500 sb
A well-lit office space with adequate brightness for work tasks.
1000 sb
A theater stage with focused lighting for performances.
300 sb
Car headlights designed to illuminate the road ahead effectively.
800 sb
A photography studio with controlled lighting for shoots.
200 sb
An outdoor public park illuminated for evening use.
150 sb
A museum exhibit requiring specific light for artifacts.

šŸ”— Related Units

Lux (Luminance related to illuminance; 1 lux = 1 lumen/m².)Foot-candle (Luminance related to illuminance; 1 foot-candle = 10.764 lux.)Candela (Base unit of luminous intensity; related to stilb as 1 sb = 1 cd/m².)Nit (Another term for candela per square meter; synonymous with stilb.)Lumen (Measure of luminous flux; related to lux and illuminance.)Watt (Unit of power; related to luminous efficacy in light sources.)

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.

Advertisement
AD SPACE - 320x100
BANNER AD - 320x50