

More precisely, a candela is the measure of intensity in a given direction of a monochromatic, which is green, having the frequency of 540 × 10 12 Hz with the radiant power of 1/683 watt per steradian. Commonly, it is the unit sphere with a radius of 1. A steradian is an area of a sphere that is equal to the square of the radius of the sphere. A wax candle has a luminous intensity equivalent to one candelaĪ candela measures the luminosity of visible light from a point source in a given direction and area called steradian. However, the scientific definition is more nuanced and technical. The common wax candle has a luminous intensity equivalent to approximately one candela. It’s useful in calibrating artificial light sources like LED bulbs.Īs the name suggests, the candela unit of measurement is based on the luminous intensity of a wax candle. What is the relationship between candela and lumens?Ĭandela (cd) serves as the base unit of measuring luminosity as perceived by the human eye.However, if you wanted to find out the optimal distance of the projector from the wall, lux would be a good concept to consider. For instance, if you were to buy a projector, you’re more likely to encounter lumens. While they might appear similar, they are distinct units with their own specific parameters, uses and related concepts. Candela – the light intensity as seen from the point source of light but at a specific wavelength of visible light.Lux – the brightness of the illuminated surface area at a given distance.Lumen – a measure of the total amount of light given off by a source when uncovered.The main differences between the three concepts are outlined below:

Its abbreviated form is ‘cd’.Īs a base unit of measuring luminosity, the candela is also related to other units of measurement, like the lumens and lux. It’s measured in terms of the luminous intensity of a point light source per unit solid angle, known as steradian. The candela is the base unit in the International System of Units (SI) that measures how bright or radiant a light source is, given certain wavelengths that are visible to the human eye.
