Convert Lamberts to Nits (L to cd/m2)
1 lambert (L) = 3183.098862 nits (cd/m²). 1 cd/m² = 0.0003141592654 L. Example: 15 L = 15 × 3183.098862 = 47746.48293 cd/m².
Also searched as lamberts to cd/m2, lamberts in cd/m2, lamberts into nits, L to cd/m2, L in nits, L into nit, lambert to nit, L to nits converter and how many nits in a lambert.
1 L = 3183.098862 cd/m²
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk lambert to nit converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Lambert to Nit
- 1 L = 3183.098862 cd/m²
- 1 cd/m² = 0.0003141592654 L
- Example: convert 15 L to cd/m²: 15 L = 15 × 3183.098862 cd/m² = 47746.48293 cd/m²
Formula
cd/m² = L × 3183.098861838
Derivation from SI units:
- 1 L = (1/π) cd/cm² ≈ 3183 cd/m².
- 1 nit = 1 cd/m².
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Lambert definition: lambert; Nit definition: nit.
Worked examples
- A reading of 2 L converts to 6366.197724 cd/m².
2 L × 3183.098862 = 6366.197724 cd/m² - A value of 20 L is 63661.97724 cd/m².
20 L × 3183.098862 = 63661.97724 cd/m²
Lambert to Nit conversion table
| Lamberts (L) | Nits (cd/m²) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 L | 318.3098862 cd/m² |
| 0.5 L | 1591.549431 cd/m² |
| 1 L | 3183.098862 cd/m² |
| 2 L | 6366.197724 cd/m² |
| 5 L | 15915.49431 cd/m² |
| 10 L | 31830.98862 cd/m² |
| 20 L | 63661.97724 cd/m² |
| 50 L | 159154.9431 cd/m² |
| 100 L | 318309.8862 cd/m² |
| 1000 L | 3183098.862 cd/m² |
Where it's used
Lamberts are used for older vision-science literature, while nits appear in display brightness (phones, monitors, TVs). Both measure luminance (brightness of a surface or screen), so the conversion is a fixed factor.
Lambert to other luminance units
| Conversion | 1 L equals |
|---|---|
| lambert to nit | 3183.098862 cd/m² |
| lambert to foot-lambert | 929.0304 fL |
| lambert to apostilb | 10000 asb |
| lambert to candela per square foot | 295.7195609 cd/ft² |
| lambert to candela per square inch | 2.053608062 cd/in² |
| lambert to stilb | 0.3183098862 sb |
Frequently asked questions
How many nits are in 1 lambert?
1 L = 3183.098862 cd/m².
How do I convert lamberts to nits?
Multiply the value in L by 3183.098862. For example, 15 L × 3183.098862 = 47746.48293 cd/m².
Is the L 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, "lambert".
- 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 Lamberts to Nits (L to cd/m2). Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/luminance/lamberts-to-nits/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Lamberts to Nits (L to cd/m2)," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 25, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/luminance/lamberts-to-nits/