The red emitting Ca0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction patterns were used to characterize crystal structure as well as phase purity. The results suggest that the as synthesized powder phosphor possess scheelite crystal structure with tetragonal symmetry along with the space group of I41/a. SEM studies reveal that the as synthesized sample show polyhedral morphology with particle size of 5.5 µm. Photoluminescence excitation spectrum depicts that a broad band (from 200 to 300 nm) centered at 242 nm is attributed to the ligand to metal charge transfer transition of WO42− and three intense with sharp absorption bands (observed at 394, 464 and 535 nm) are designated as f–f electronic transitions of Eu3+. Photoluminescence emission studies indicate that, under 394 nm UV excitation, a hypersensitive red emission was observed at 617 nm due to the transition from upper 5D0 level to the 7F2 lower level of Eu3+ ion. The spectroscopic behaviour of the as synthesized phosphor Ca0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ was determined using Judd–Ofelt theory. The CIE color coordinates, colour correlated temperature and luminous efficacies of radiation were estimated. The as obtained results indicating that the Ca0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ red phosphor is most suitable for solid state lighting applications.