Why use candela per square centimeter instead of candela per square meter?

Candela per square centimeter is typically used for smaller, high-intensity light sources such as camera viewfinders and LED indicators where finer luminance detail is required.

Is candela per square centimeter an SI unit?

No, candela per square centimeter is a non-SI derived unit commonly used for small emitting areas, while candela per square meter is the SI unit of luminance.

What applications benefit from converting between these luminance units?

Conversions are useful in display technology, lighting design, optical engineering, and manufacturing of instrument panels where brightness differences across various surface sizes must be compared.

How to Convert from Candela/square meter to Candela/square centimeter?

Learn how to convert luminance units from candela per square meter (cd/m²) to candela per square centimeter (cd/cm²) with clear examples and practical use cases in display and lighting design.

Candela/square meter

Candela/square centimeter

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Candela/square meter to Candela/square centimeter Conversion Table

Candela/square meter	Candela/square centimeter

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Candela/square meter to Candela/square centimeter Conversion Table
Candela/square meter	Candela/square centimeter

Explore More Luminance Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter allows you to switch between candela per square meter and candela per square centimeter, two units used to measure luminance. It helps compare brightness levels of different surfaces, from large displays to small high-intensity light sources.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the luminance value in candela per square meter
Select candela/square meter as the source unit
Choose candela/square centimeter as the target unit
Click the convert button to get the equivalent value
Use the results to compare brightness of different light-emitting surfaces

Key Features

Converts luminance values from candela/square meter to candela/square centimeter
Includes units used in display technology and lighting design
Provides quick calculations for practical brightness comparison
Browser-based and user-friendly interface
Supports professional and everyday use cases in optical and instrument panel engineering

Examples

500 candela/square meter converts to 0.05 candela/square centimeter
1200 candela/square meter converts to 0.12 candela/square centimeter

Common Use Cases

Measuring display brightness for TVs, monitors, and smartphones
Designing and evaluating architectural and interior lighting
Testing luminance of road signs and safety indicators
Specifying brightness of small display elements like camera viewfinders and LED indicators
Assessing luminance of OLED subpixels and phosphors in display engineering
Characterizing brightness in surgical and inspection lamps with small emitting areas

Tips & Best Practices

Confirm the measurement geometry aligns when comparing luminance values
Use candela/square centimeter for small, intense light sources and candela/square meter for larger areas
Be mindful of calibration standards to ensure accurate luminance readings
Apply conversions carefully in contexts involving different scales of emitting surfaces
Double-check units after conversion to avoid confusion in mixed unit environments

Limitations

Candela per square centimeter is a non-SI unit and mainly suited for small emitting surfaces
Conversions must be interpreted cautiously in architectural or environmental lighting design
Measurement geometry and calibration affect the precision of both units
This tool does not account for measurement inaccuracies or differing standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use candela per square centimeter instead of candela per square meter?: Candela per square centimeter is typically used for smaller, high-intensity light sources such as camera viewfinders and LED indicators where finer luminance detail is required.
Is candela per square centimeter an SI unit?: No, candela per square centimeter is a non-SI derived unit commonly used for small emitting areas, while candela per square meter is the SI unit of luminance.
What applications benefit from converting between these luminance units?: Conversions are useful in display technology, lighting design, optical engineering, and manufacturing of instrument panels where brightness differences across various surface sizes must be compared.

Key Terminology

Candela per square meter (cd/m²): The SI unit of luminance representing luminous intensity emitted or reflected by a surface per unit projected area.
Candela per square centimeter (cd/cm²): A non-SI unit of luminance expressing luminous intensity per unit area, commonly used for small emitting surfaces.
Luminance: A measure of the brightness of a surface as perceived by the human eye, defined by the luminous intensity emitted or reflected per unit area.

Quick Knowledge Check

Which unit is the SI standard for luminance?

Candela per square centimeter

Candela per square meter

Nitrogens per square meter

What is a common use for candela per square centimeter?

Measuring large architectural lighting

Specifying brightness of small display elements

Calculating environmental light levels

What should be considered when converting luminance units?

Measurement geometry and calibration standards

Color temperature of the light source

Temperature of the environment

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