HDR Video Calculator

Professional HDR video calculations for high dynamic range content. Master dynamic range calculations, HDR workflows, and professional HDR production.

HDR Standards & Specifications

HDR Standards

HDR10

1,000 nits

Static metadata, 10-bit color (industry standard)

HDR10+

1,000 nits

Dynamic metadata, practical mastering standard

Dolby Vision

1,000 nits

Dynamic metadata, 12-bit color (practical mastering)

HLG

1,000 nits

Hybrid Log-Gamma, broadcast standard

Color Depth

8-bit SDR

256 levels

Standard dynamic range

10-bit HDR

1,024 levels

HDR10 standard depth

12-bit HDR

4,096 levels

Dolby Vision depth

16-bit Linear

65,536 levels

Professional grading

Transfer Functions

Rec. 709

Gamma 2.4

Standard dynamic range curve

PQ (ST 2084)

Perceptual

HDR10/Dolby Vision curve

HLG (Rec. 2020)

Hybrid Log

Broadcast HDR curve

Log-C

Logarithmic

Camera log encoding

Industry Standard: 1,000 Nits Mastering

While HDR formats theoretically support higher peak luminance (HDR10+ up to 4,000 nits, Dolby Vision up to 10,000 nits), the industry standard for practical content mastering is 1,000 nits. This ensures compatibility with consumer displays and provides the best viewing experience across different devices.

HDR Production Calculations

HDR Luminance Calculator

Calculate luminance values and nit levels for HDR content.

Formula:

Nits = (Code Value ÷ Max Code) ^ (1/Gamma) × Peak Luminance

Examples:

75% code value in HDR10 (1000 nits)

Calculation: (0.75 ÷ 1.0) ^ (1/2.4) × 1000 = 818 nits

Result: 818 nits luminance

50% code value in Dolby Vision (1000 nits)

Calculation: (0.50 ÷ 1.0) ^ (1/2.4) × 1000 = 595 nits

Result: 595 nits luminance

Pro Tips:

  • Use proper transfer functions for accurate calculations
  • Consider display capabilities when setting peak luminance
  • Monitor with calibrated HDR displays

Dynamic Range Calculator

Calculate dynamic range ratios and stops between HDR and SDR.

Formula:

Dynamic Range (stops) = log2(Peak Luminance ÷ Black Level)

Examples:

HDR10: 1000 nits peak, 0.01 nits black

Calculation: log2(1000 ÷ 0.01) = 16.6 stops

Result: 16.6 stops dynamic range

SDR: 100 nits peak, 0.1 nits black

Calculation: log2(100 ÷ 0.1) = 9.97 stops

Result: 10 stops dynamic range

Pro Tips:

  • HDR provides 6-7 more stops than SDR
  • Black level is crucial for contrast ratio
  • Use proper viewing environment for HDR

HDR Tone Mapping Calculator

Calculate tone mapping curves for HDR to SDR conversion.

Formula:

SDR Output = (HDR Input × Scale Factor) ^ Gamma Correction

Examples:

1000 nit HDR to 100 nit SDR

Calculation: (1000 × 0.1) ^ 0.45 = 63.1 nits

Result: 63.1 nits mapped output

1000 nit HDR to 100 nit SDR (bright scene)

Calculation: (1000 × 0.1) ^ 0.45 = 63.1 nits

Result: 63.1 nits mapped output

Pro Tips:

  • Use perceptual tone mapping for better results
  • Preserve highlight detail in bright scenes
  • Test on multiple display types

HDR File Size Calculator

Calculate storage requirements for HDR content with higher bit depths.

Formula:

HDR Size = SDR Size × (HDR Bit Depth ÷ SDR Bit Depth) × Color Factor

Examples:

1GB SDR (8-bit) to HDR10 (10-bit)

Calculation: 1 × (10 ÷ 8) × 1.2 = 1.5GB

Result: 1.5GB HDR file size

5GB SDR to Dolby Vision (12-bit)

Calculation: 5 × (12 ÷ 8) × 1.3 = 9.75GB

Result: 9.75GB Dolby Vision size

Pro Tips:

  • HDR files are 25-50% larger than SDR
  • Higher bit depths require more storage
  • Use efficient codecs like H.265 for HDR

Master HDR Production Workflows

Get instant HDR calculations with CineMath. Perfect your high dynamic range content for professional delivery.

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