processconvert
Photometry

cd/m²toL

Convert candelas per square metre (cd/m²) to lamberts (L).

Factor1 cd/m² = 0.0003141593 L

Converter

cd/m²

Accepts numbers or expressions, e.g. 150 + 14.7

Result
0.314159L

Rendered to 6 significant figures.

Formula

Formula
L = cd/m² × 0.0003141593

Multiply any value in candelas per square metre by 0.0003141593 to obtain the value in lamberts.

Worked example

Convert 1000 cd/m² to L.

  1. 01Start with 1000 cd/m².
  2. 02Multiply by the conversion factor: 1000 × 0.0003141593 = 0.314159 L.
Result1000 cd/m² = 0.314159 L

Conversion table

cd/m²L
10.00031416
20.00062832
50.0015708
100.0031416
200.0062832
500.015708
1000.031416
2000.062832
5000.15708
10000.31416

Reference values rounded to 5 significant figures for display.

FAQ

What is the conversion factor from cd/m² to L?
1 cd/m² equals 0.0003141593 L. To convert, multiply the value in candelas per square metre by 0.0003141593.
How do I convert 1 cd/m² to L?
1 cd/m² = 0.000314159 L. For any value, multiply by 0.0003141593.
How do I convert L back to cd/m²?
Divide by the same factor — or equivalently, multiply by 3183.099. So 1 L = 3183.1 cd/m².
When would I need to convert candela per square metre to lambert?
Luminance conversions between cd/m² and L are used in display engineering, road and traffic-signal design, and photometric measurement of luminous surfaces. cd/m² (nit) is the SI standard; foot-lambert and stilb appear in legacy datasheets and specialist optics work.
Is the conversion exact?
The factor shown is precise to at least 7 significant figures. For most process-engineering work this is far better than instrument accuracy. For metrology or trade applications, refer to the relevant national standard (NIST, BIPM, ISO 80000).

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