What is the base SI unit for luminous intensity?

The primary reference unit for luminous intensity in this converter is the Candela (cd). All 5 supported luminous intensity units are anchored to this standard.

Are these luminous intensity conversion factors verified?

Yes, all luminous intensity conversion constants on UnitConvertersGo are verified against NIST Special Publication 811 and ISO/IEC 80000 international metrology standards.

Luminous Intensity Converter

Enter a value below to convert between metric, imperial, and standard luminous intensity units.

Convert Luminous Intensity

Enter a value and select the units to convert between candelas, millicandelas, and kilocandelas.

Instant conversion

Value

From

Result

10,000 mcd

10 cd = 10,000 mcd

10 cd = 10,000 mcd = 0.01 kcdGet Widget

You can change the units using the dropdowns above or click on a unit button.

Suggested Conversions

Common Luminous Intensity Reference Points

Here are some common luminous intensity values in Candela (cd), Millicandela (mcd), and Kilocandela (kcd). Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.

Description	Candela (cd)	Millicandela (mcd)	Kilocandela (kcd)
1 candela unit	1	1,000	0.001
5 candelas	5	5,000	0.005
10 candelas benchmark	10	10,000	0.01
25 candelas	25	25,000	0.025
50 candelas	50	50,000	0.05
100 candelas reference	100	100,000	0.1

Luminous Intensity Conversion Formulas

Use the following formulas to convert between candelas, millicandelas, and kilocandelas.

Candelas to Millicandelas

mcd = cd × 1,000

Millicandelas to Candelas

cd = mcd × 0.001

Candelas to Kilocandelas

kcd = cd × 0.001

Example: Convert 10 Candelas (cd) to Millicandelas (mcd)

1 cd = 1,000 mcd

10 cd × 1,000 = 10,000 mcd

All luminous intensity conversions are anchored to the international SI base unit (Candela) for full scientific and engineering accuracy.

More Candela & Millicandela Conversions

Convert from Candelas

Convert to Millicandelas

Frequently Asked Questions

1 candela (cd) equals 1,000 millicandelas (mcd). Multiply your candela value by 1,000 or enter it in the Luminous Intensity Converter above for instant calculation.

Luminous Intensity Converter

Quick Info

Candela (cd) is a primary luminous intensity unit used globally across science, commerce, and daily measurement.
Millicandela (mcd) is widely used alongside cd for practical luminous intensity specifications and conversions.
Candela (cd) serves as the standardized reference base unit anchoring all 5 units in this category.
Verified accuracy: All conversion factors follow official NIST SP 811 and ISO/IEC 80000 metrology constants.

Luminous Intensity Units Comparison

Candela (cd)

Fundamental SI base unit of luminous intensity.

Millicandela (mcd)

Indicator LED brightness unit (0.001 cd).

Kilocandela (kcd)

Searchlight & automotive headlamp intensity unit (1,000 cd).

References

[1]NIST · NIST HB 133 / SP 811
Source
[2]BIPM · BIPM SI-9
Source
[3]NIST SP 811 · NIST SP 811 App. B.9
Source

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All Luminous Intensity Conversion Calculators (6)

Select any dedicated luminous intensity pair below for worked examples and printable tables

Candelas to Millicandelas (cd to mcd)Millicandelas to Candelas (mcd to cd)Candelas to Kilocandelas (cd to kcd)Kilocandelas to Candelas (kcd to cd)Candelas to Lumens per Steradian (cd to lm/sr)Lumens per Steradian to Candelas (lm/sr to cd)

Category Conversion Matrix

Simultaneous comparison of 5 units in this category

Candela (cd)

Millicandela (mcd)

1,000

Kilocandela (kcd)

0.001

Lumen per Steradian (lm/sr)

Hefnerkerze (HK)

1.10742

Luminous Intensity Unit Definitions & Symbols

Candela (cd)

Fundamental SI base unit of luminous intensity.

Millicandela (mcd)

METRIC

Indicator LED brightness unit (0.001 cd).

Kilocandela (kcd)

METRIC

Searchlight & automotive headlamp intensity unit (1,000 cd).

Lumen per Steradian (lm/sr)

Exact SI definition of 1 candela (1 lm/sr = 1 cd).

Hefnerkerze (HK)

OTHER

Historical German photometric candle standard (≈ 0.903 cd).

References

NIST · BIPM · ISO

[1]
NIST (NIST HB 133 / SP 811)·Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods, Handbook 133 - 2019 Edition & NIST SP 811
NIST HB 133 Standard
[2]
BIPM (BIPM SI-9)·The International System of Units (SI Brochure, 9th Edition)
BIPM SI Brochure
[3]
NIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9)·NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.9: Factors for Units Listed by Kind of Quantity or Field of Science
NIST SP 811 Appendix B.9

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