Convert Foot-lamberts to Nits (fL to cd/m2)
1 foot-lambert (fL) = 3.4262591 nits (cd/m²). 1 cd/m² = 0.291863508 fL. Example: 14 fL = 14 × 3.4262591 = 47.96762739 cd/m².
Also searched as foot lamberts to nits, fL to cd/m2 and foot lambert to nits.
1 fL = 3.4262591 cd/m²
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk foot-lambert to nit converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Foot-lambert to Nit
- 1 fL = 3.4262591 cd/m²
- 1 cd/m² = 0.291863508 fL
- Example: convert 14 fL to cd/m²: 14 fL = 14 × 3.4262591 cd/m² = 47.96762739 cd/m²
Formula
cd/m² = fL × 3.426259099635
Derivation from SI units:
- 1 fL = (1/π) cd/ft² ≈ 3.426 cd/m².
- 1 nit = 1 cd/m².
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Foot-lambert definition: foot-lambert; Nit definition: nit.
Worked examples
- The DCI cinema level of 14 fL is 47.96762739 cd/m².
14 fL × 3.4262591 = 47.96762739 cd/m² - A screen at 16 fL is 54.82014559 cd/m².
16 fL × 3.4262591 = 54.82014559 cd/m²
Foot-lambert to Nit conversion table
| Foot-lamberts (fL) | Nits (cd/m²) |
|---|---|
| 1 fL | 3.4262591 cd/m² |
| 4 fL | 13.7050364 cd/m² |
| 7 fL | 23.9838137 cd/m² |
| 10 fL | 34.262591 cd/m² |
| 14 fL | 47.96762739 cd/m² |
| 16 fL | 54.82014559 cd/m² |
| 22 fL | 75.37770019 cd/m² |
| 30 fL | 102.787773 cd/m² |
| 50 fL | 171.312955 cd/m² |
| 100 fL | 342.62591 cd/m² |
Where it's used
Projector and screen brightness in foot-lamberts is converted to nits (cd/m²) to compare with TV, monitor and HDR specifications. Multiply by 3.4263.
Foot-lambert to other luminance units
| Conversion | 1 fL equals |
|---|---|
| foot-lambert to nit | 3.4262591 cd/m² |
| foot-lambert to apostilb | 10.76391042 asb |
| foot-lambert to candela per square foot | 0.3183098862 cd/ft² |
| foot-lambert to candela per square inch | 0.002210485321 cd/in² |
| foot-lambert to stilb | 0.00034262591 sb |
| foot-lambert to lambert | 0.001076391042 L |
Frequently asked questions
Why are cinema screens dimmer than TVs?
Cinemas are dark, so 48 nits looks bright; TVs compete with room light and run at 200–1000 nits or more.
How many nits are in 1 foot-lambert?
1 fL = 3.4262591 cd/m².
How do I convert foot-lamberts to nits?
Multiply the value in fL by 3.4262591. For example, 14 fL × 3.4262591 = 47.96762739 cd/m².
Is the fL to cd/m² conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined exactly, so the ratio is exact; its decimal form does not terminate and is shown here to 10 significant figures (more with the precision selector).
Sources
- Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "footlambert".
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 4 (becquerel, gray, sievert, lux) and Table 2 (candela).
Last reviewed: . Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.
Cite this page
APA
Scientific Converters. (2026, October 15). Convert Foot-lamberts to Nits (fL to cd/m2). Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/luminance/foot-lamberts-to-nits/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Foot-lamberts to Nits (fL to cd/m2)," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 25, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/luminance/foot-lamberts-to-nits/