Elara Bennett0 mcd converts to 0 lumens.
The conversion from millicandelas (mcd) to lumens involves understanding the relationship between luminous intensity and luminous flux. Since 0 mcd means no luminous intensity, it results in 0 lumens, meaning no light output in terms of luminous flux.
Conversion Tool
Result in lumens:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert millicandelas (mcd) to lumens (lm) depends on the solid angle over which the light is distributed. Assuming a uniform distribution over a steradian, the relationship is:
Lumens = millicandelas × 0.001256637
This comes from the fact that 1 candela equals 1 lumen per steradian; millicandela is one thousandth of a candela, and multiplying by the steradian solid angle (here assumed 1) converts intensity to flux.
For example, to convert 500 mcd to lumens:
- Convert mcd to cd: 500 mcd = 0.5 cd
- Calculate lumens: 0.5 cd × 1 steradian = 0.5 lm
- Or directly: 500 × 0.001256637 = 0.6283 lm
Conversion Example
- Example 1: Convert 250 mcd to lumens
- Convert 250 mcd to candelas: 250 ÷ 1000 = 0.25 cd
- Multiply by steradian: 0.25 × 1.256637 = 0.3142 lm
- Example 2: Convert 1000 mcd to lumens
- 1000 mcd = 1 cd
- Lumens = 1 × 1.256637 = 1.2566 lm
- Example 3: Convert 75 mcd to lumens
- 75 mcd = 0.075 cd
- Lumens = 0.075 × 1.256637 = 0.0942 lm
- Example 4: Convert 1500 mcd to lumens
- 1500 mcd = 1.5 cd
- Lumens = 1.5 × 1.256637 = 1.8849 lm
- Example 5: Convert 10 mcd to lumens
- 10 mcd = 0.01 cd
- Lumens = 0.01 × 1.256637 = 0.01257 lm
Conversion Chart
The chart below shows conversion from mcd values between -25.0 and 25.0 to lumens. Negative values indicate direction or error in measurement but are included for completeness. To use the chart, find your mcd value in the left column and read across for the corresponding lumens.
| mcd | lumens |
|---|---|
| -25.0 | -0.0314 |
| -20.0 | -0.0251 |
| -15.0 | -0.0188 |
| -10.0 | -0.0126 |
| -5.0 | -0.0063 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 0.0063 |
| 10.0 | 0.0126 |
| 15.0 | 0.0188 |
| 20.0 | 0.0251 |
| 25.0 | 0.0314 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many lumens are in 0 millicandelas?
- Is 0 mcd equal to zero lumens or does it have any light output?
- What does converting 0 mcd to lumens mean for LED brightness?
- Can 0 millicandelas produce any measurable luminous flux in lumens?
- How to interpret a 0 mcd reading when calculating lumens?
- Does 0 mcd always translate to zero lumens in practical scenarios?
- Are lumens always zero when input is 0 millicandelas?
Conversion Definitions
mcd (millicandela): A unit of luminous intensity equals one thousandth of a candela. It expresses the perceived power of light emitted by a source in a particular direction, useful for describing dim light sources or LEDs at low brightness levels.
lumens: A measure of luminous flux, representing the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, regardless of direction. Lumens quantify brightness as perceived by the human eye over all directions, important for lighting efficiency and comparison.
Conversion FAQs
Why does 0 mcd convert to 0 lumens?
Since millicandela measures intensity, a value of zero means no light is emitted in any direction. Lumens measure total light output, so if intensity is zero, no luminous flux exists, resulting lumens being zero too.
Can negative mcd values occur, and what do they mean in conversion?
Negative mcd values can arise from measurement error or represent direction in vector calculations. Physically negative intensity is impossible, but mathematically, they convert to negative lumens by formula, which usually signals data correction needed.
Is the conversion factor always the same for mcd to lumens?
The factor depends on the solid angle the intensity is distributed over. The number used here assumes 1 steradian. Different light distribution patterns need adjustment, so the factor could change depending on geometry.
Why does the converter tool multiply mcd by approximately 0.0012566?
This number equals one thousandth of 4π steradians (about 12.56637). Since a candela equals lumens per steradian, converting mcd (thousandths of candela) to lumens over a full sphere uses this multiplier.
Can this conversion be used for all types of light sources?
The formula is valid for isotropic (uniform) light sources. For directional or highly focused sources, the real lumen output can differ, so additional data about beam angle is needed for accurate conversion.
