maratoolHow to convert mcd to candela and candlepower
Type an intensity — read cd, mcd, kcd, or candlepower instantly.
LED datasheets rate brightness in millicandela while spotlight marketing says candlepower. The Luminous Intensity Converter reads both as candelas.
How it works
- Pick units — "Millicandela (mcd)" to "Candela (cd)", or any other pair.
- Type a value — the result updates as you type, with swap and copy.
- Copy — one click, with "Copied!" feedback.
Luminous intensity conversion factors
Every unit converts through the candela (the base unit). To convert A → B, multiply by A's factor and divide by B's:
| Unit | = this many candelas |
|---|---|
| Kilocandela (kcd) | 1,000 |
| Candela (cd) | 1 |
| Millicandela (mcd) | 0.001 |
| Candlepower, modern (cp) | 1 |
| Hefner candle (HK) | 0.903 |
| International candle (IC) | 1.019 |
When you need it
Intensity and total output are different: a laser pointer exceeds 1,000 cd in its beam but emits under 1 lm. To convert cd to lumens you need the beam angle — flux = intensity × solid angle.
Sources & methodology
Conversion factors follow NIST Special Publication 811; exact-by-definition factors are marked in the tool itself. All math runs client-side in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
More conversion guides
- How to convert lumens, kilolumens, and cd·sr
- How to convert nits to foot-lamberts (screen brightness)
- How to convert lux to foot-candles
Or browse everything at once in the new unit & sizing converters roundup.