What Is This Tool?
This converter enables you to translate luminance values between kilocandela per square meter and stilb units, facilitating understanding and comparison of brightness measurements from different photometric systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in kilocandela per square meter.
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Select kilocandela/square meter as the source unit and stilb [sb] as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent value in stilb [sb].
Key Features
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Converts luminance values from kilocandela/square meter to stilb [sb].
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Supports interpreting data across SI and CGS photometric units.
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Provides clear examples to guide unit conversion.
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Useful for photometry, display tech, and historical data analysis.
Examples
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5 kilocandela/square meter equals 0.5 stilb [sb].
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10 kilocandela/square meter equals 1 stilb [sb].
Common Use Cases
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Specifying peak brightness levels for HDR displays and TVs.
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Defining luminance standards for automotive HUDs and instrument panels.
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Translating historical photometric data from CGS units to SI units.
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Comparing surface brightness in legacy optical research literature.
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Evaluating brightness for outdoor LED advertising and signage.
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify which unit system your data originates from to avoid confusion.
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Use conversions when comparing legacy and modern photometric measurements.
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Apply the tool primarily for interpretive or research purposes rather than practical measurement readings.
Limitations
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Kilocandela per square meter belongs to the SI system, while stilb is a CGS unit, so understand system differences.
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Not all modern instruments report luminance in stilb, limiting direct practical application.
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Conversions mainly aid interpretation in research and historical contexts, not real-time measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does kilocandela per square meter measure?
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It measures luminance, indicating the luminous intensity emitted or reflected from a surface per unit projected area in a given direction, expressed in SI units.
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Why convert kilocandela per square meter to stilb?
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Converting helps interpret and compare luminance values between modern SI measurements and older CGS photometric data for compatibility in research and historical records.
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Are stilb units commonly used today?
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Stilb units are primarily used in legacy contexts and historical data; modern luminance measurements mainly rely on SI units like candela per square meter.
Key Terminology
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Kilocandela per square meter
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An SI unit representing luminance equal to 1000 candelas per square meter, indicating luminous intensity per unit area.
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Stilb [sb]
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A CGS photometric unit of luminance equal to 10,000 candela per square meter, used predominantly in legacy photometry.
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Luminance
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The measure of luminous intensity emitted or reflected from a surface per unit area in a specific direction.