# Luminous Intensity Converter (cd / mcd / candlepower)

Convert luminous intensity between candela (cd, SI base, = 1/683 W/sr at 540 THz), millicandela (1 = 0.001 cd), and candlepower (1 = 0.981 cd, obsolete standard candle). Converts via candela to the target unit and lists the equivalent value in all three units for reference. Reference values: indicator LED ≈ 5–20 mcd, flashlight ≈ 100–1000 cd, car headlight high beam ≈ 75000 cd.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/luminous-intensity-converter

- **Category:** Math & Numbers

- **Keywords:** luminous intensity, luminous intensity conversion, candela, cd, millicandela, mcd, candlepower, cp, LED brightness, photometry, candle

## Overview

Convert non-negative luminous intensity values between candela (cd), millicandela (mcd), and candlepower (cp). Enter a value, select the input and output units, choose decimal places, and receive the converted value plus equivalent values in all three units.

## Inputs

- **Input unit** (select)
- **Value** (number): Luminous intensity in the selected Input unit. Must be non-negative.
- **Output unit** (select)
- **Decimal Places** (number)

## When to use

- Convert LED specifications from millicandela to candela.
- Compare flashlight or lighting values reported in candela and candlepower.
- Check equivalent luminous intensity values across all supported units.

## How it works

- Enter a non-negative luminous intensity value.
- Select the input unit: candela, millicandela, or candlepower.
- Select the output unit and set decimal places from 0 to 10.
- The converter calculates the result through candela and lists the candela, millicandela, and candlepower equivalents.

## Use cases

- Translate indicator LED ratings such as 5–20 mcd into candela.
- Convert flashlight specifications from candlepower to candela or millicandela.
- Review photometry values with all three unit equivalents shown together.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which luminous intensity units are supported?

The converter supports candela (cd), millicandela (mcd), and candlepower (cp).

### What is the conversion from millicandela to candela?

One millicandela equals 0.001 candela.

### What is the conversion from candlepower to candela?

One candlepower equals 0.981 candela.

### Can I enter a negative value?

No. The value must be non-negative.

### How many decimal places can I display?

You can choose from 0 to 10 decimal places.

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