Candela per square metre


The candela per square metre is the derived SI unit of luminance. The unit is based on the candela, the SI unit of luminous intensity, and the square metre, the SI unit of area. The nit is a non-SI name also used for this unit. The term nit is believed to come from the Latin word, to shine.
As a measure of light emitted per unit area, this unit is frequently used to specify the brightness of a display device. The sRGB spec for monitors targets 80 cd/m2. Typically, calibrated monitors should have a brightness of 120 cd/m2. Most consumer desktop liquid crystal displays have luminances of 200 to 300 cd/m2. HDR televisions range from 450 to about 1500 cd/m2.

Comparison to other units of luminance

One candela per square metre is equal to: