Lumens to Nits Calculator
Convert lumens (lm) to nits (cd/m²) for accurate display brightness calculations in TVs, monitors, projectors, and screen technology.
Convert total light output to surface brightness using display area and efficiency factors for accurate screen luminance measurements.
Brightness Converter
Total light output of the display or source
Select display type or choose custom efficiency
Active display surface area
Brightness Results
Enter lumens and area, then click "Convert"
to calculate brightness in nits
Lumens to Nits Brightness Conversion
When shopping for displays or comparing screen brightness, you'll often see specifications in both lumens and nits. While these measurements are related, they describe different aspects of light output. Lumens measure the total amount of visible light from a source, while nits measure how bright that light appears per square meter of screen surface.
The key difference is that nits account for the display's surface area. A small mobile screen and a large TV can have the same total light output in lumens, but the TV will appear much dimmer because that light is spread over a much larger area.
Brightness Conversion Formula
The calculator uses the standard brightness conversion formula:
Display Brightness Examples
Here are typical brightness conversions for various display types:
| Lumens | Display Area (m²) | Efficiency | Brightness (Nits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 500 nits |
| 1000 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 450 nits |
| 2000 | 3.5 | 0.85 | 486 nits |
| 750 | 1.5 | 0.95 | 475 nits |
| 1500 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 480 nits |
| 300 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 338 nits |
| 2500 | 4.0 | 0.75 | 469 nits |
| 1200 | 2.2 | 0.85 | 464 nits |
| 4000 | 5.0 | 0.7 | 560 nits |
| 600 | 1.2 | 0.95 | 475 nits |
| 1800 | 3.0 | 0.8 | 480 nits |
| 850 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 450 nits |
| 2200 | 3.8 | 0.75 | 434 nits |
| 950 | 1.9 | 0.85 | 424 nits |
| 2800 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 437 nits |
| 450 | 0.9 | 0.95 | 474 nits |
| 1600 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 457 nits |
| 700 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 450 nits |
| 2400 | 4.2 | 0.75 | 429 nits |
| 1100 | 2.1 | 0.85 | 447 nits |
| 3500 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 511 nits |
| 550 | 1.1 | 0.95 | 476 nits |
| 1900 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 475 nits |
For HDR displays, look for brightness ratings above 1000 nits peak. Standard dynamic range displays typically range from 250-500 nits. Always check manufacturer specifications for the most accurate brightness measurements.