Convert Millicandelas to Picocandelas

Convert Millicandelas (mcd) to Picocandelas (pcd) instantly and accurately.

Millicandelas (mcd)
Picocandelas (pcd)

Conversion Formula

pcd = mcd × 1000000000

About Millicandelas

The millicandela (mcd) equals 10⁻³ cd. The most common unit in LED datasheets: a standard 3 mm through-hole LED has 5-500 mcd at 20 mA; a high-efficiency indicator LED 500-2 000 mcd; signal LEDs for visible-range indicators typically 10-200 mcd. The IEC standard range for low-current indicators. 1 mcd = 10⁻³ cd.

About Picocandelas

The picocandela (pcd) equals 10⁻¹² cd. A theoretical subunit used only in precision photometric standard traceability and single-photon detector characterisation. The faintest LED indicator in standby mode (~10 µcd) is one million times brighter. Appears in calibration chain documentation. 1 pcd = 10⁻¹² cd.

Quick Reference Table

Millicandelas (mcd)Picocandelas (pcd)
1 mcd1000000000 pcd
2 mcd2 × 109 pcd
5 mcd5 × 109 pcd
10 mcd1 × 1010 pcd
25 mcd2.5 × 1010 pcd
50 mcd5 × 1010 pcd
100 mcd1 × 1011 pcd

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