Nanofarads to Microfarads Capacitance Conversion Guide

If you've ever looked at a circuit diagram or picked up a tiny ceramic capacitor, you've probably seen symbols like "nF" or "µF". They are units that measure capacitance. Capacitance tells us how much electrical charge a capacitor can store. 

Understanding these units and how to convert between them is a fundamental skill. Confusion between nanofarads and microfarads is a common mistake, leading to circuits that don't work correctly. This guide will show you how to convert them!

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Farad (F)

The farad (F) is the basic unit of capacitance, named after the famous scientist Michael Faraday. The standard unit of capacitance in the International System of Units (SI). A capacitor has a capacitance of 1 farad when one coulomb of charge increases the voltage by one volt.

Microfarad (µF)

Microfarad (µF) means "one millionth of a farad". Because "micro" (µ) stands for one millionth (1/1,000,000 or 10⁻⁶). So, 1 µF = 0.000001 F. 

These capacitors are often used for power supply filtering (smoothing out ripples in voltage), timing circuits that take a bit longer, and audio circuits. They are larger physically than nanofarads, often looking like small cylinders or rectangles.

Nanofarad (nF)

Nanofarad (nF) means "one billionth of a farad". Because "nano" (n) stands for one billionth (1/1,000,000,000 or 10⁻⁹). So, 1 nF = 0.000000001 F. 

These capacitors are smaller and used for faster timing, high-frequency filtering (like reducing radio noise), and signal coupling in circuits. They often look like small ceramic discs or tiny tan "chips".

Picofarad (pF)

You might also see picofarads (pF). "Pico" (p) means one trillionth (10⁻¹²). So, 1 pF = 0.000000000001 F. These are used for very high frequencies (like in radio circuits) and are very tiny. Remember: 1 nF = 1000 pF.

Relationship between units

Common Capacitance Units Conversion Table

What Is a Farad?

C=Q/V

Where:

Most practical capacitors have values in microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF) because 1 F is very large for typical electronic circuits.

What Is Capacitance Measurement?

Capacitive measurement is the process of determining the capacitance value of a capacitor or system, typically expressed in:

This measurement tells you how much electrical energy a capacitor can store.

How to Measure Capacitance (Farads)?

1. Using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) with Capacitance Mode

Steps:

(Note: For accurate results, remove the capacitor from the circuit or disconnect one terminal.)

2. Using an LCR Meter (Best for Accuracy)

Use LCR meters for:

3.Calculating Capacitance (RC Time Constant Method)

If you don't have a meter, you can calculate capacitance using the RC charging formula in an experimental setup:

C=t/R

Where:

This is done with:

For converting between nanofarads (nF) and microfarads (µF), there are two main formulas:

1.To Convert Nanofarads to Microfarads (nF → µF):​

Microfarads (µF) = Nanofarads (nF) ÷ 1,000

(Because nF are smaller, you need less of them to make a µF)

2.To Convert Microfarads to Nanofarads (µF → nF):

Nanofarads (nF) = Microfarads (µF) × 1,000

(Because µF are larger, each µF equals many nF) 

Other Capacitance Unit Conversion Formulas

Example Calculations

µF=470÷1,000=0.47µF

pF=2.2×1,000,000=2,200,000pF

nF=10,000÷1,000=10nF

Converting nF to µF is one of the simplest unit conversions in electronics, thanks to the direct 1000-to-1 ratio.

Simple Formula:​​​​

µF = nF ÷ 1,000

Step-by-Step Conversion Process:​​

This is often the easiest way to do it mentally or on paper. For example:

Examples:​

Example 1: Convert 470 nF to µF​​

Example 2: Convert 1000 nF to µF​​

Example 3: Convert 22 nF to µF​​

Here's a chart for common capacitor values, showing nanofarads (nF), microfarads (µF), and picofarads (pF) for quick reference. Remember 1 nF = 1000 pF and 1 µF = 1000 nF.

Capacitors are manufactured in standard values, based on preferred number series called ​​E-series (E3, E6, E12, E24). These series provide values spaced logarithmically (meaning gaps are proportional to size) so capacitors can be made efficiently and cover a useful range.

The E-series (E6, E12, E24, etc.) defines preferred numbers for electronic components, including resistors and capacitors. Each series provides a different level of granularity:

You'll constantly see values like 10nF, 22nF, 47nF, 100nF, 220nF, 470nF, 0.1µF (100nF), 0.47µF (470nF), 1µF, 4.7µF, 10µF, 22µF, 47µF, 100µF, 220µF, 470µF. 

Knowing the standard series helps you recognize valid component values after conversion. And they tells you which value to pick if your exact calculation isn't available (you pick the closest standard value in the series appropriate for the required tolerance).

A capacitor acts very differently in a Direct Current (DC) circuit compared to an Alternating Current (AC) circuit. 

In AC circuits, capacitors resist the flow of current, but this resistance depends on the frequency of the AC signal. This resistance is called Capacitive Reactance (XC) and is measured in Ohms (Ω).

The formula for capacitive reactance involves capacitance (C) in farads (F) and frequency (f) in Hertz (Hz): 

Xc = 1 / (2 * π * f * C)

Where:

This means:​​

Example: What's the reactance of a 100 nF capacitor at 1 kHz (1000 Hz)?

Xc = 1 / (2 * 3.1416 * 1000 * 0.0000001)

Xc = 1 / (6.2832 * 0.0001)

Xc = 1 / 0.00062832 ≈ 1591.5 Ω

So, Xc ≈ 1600 Ω (or 1.6 kΩ) at 1 kHz.

1. Online Capacitance Conversion Calculators

These free web-based tools help instantly convert between Farads, microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), and picofarads (pF):

✅ Popular Online Tools

2. Mobile Apps for Capacitance & Electronics

Use these apps on your phone for on-the-go calculations and conversions:

✅ Top Android/iOS Apps

3. Capacitance Measurement Tools

If you're working with physical components, use these tools to measure actual capacitance:

✅ Recommended Devices

4. Manual Conversion Formula

μF=nF/1,000​​ 

pF=μF×1,000,000

1.Datasheets: Component manufacturers list capacitances in specific units. A microcontroller timing spec might need a "10nF capacitor", while a power IC might need "10µF input capacitor". Knowing these are different (10µF = 10,000 nF) is crucial!

2.Capacitor Labeling: Values are printed directly on capacitors, but conventions vary:

3.Real-World Circuit Examples:​

Capacitance choices here range from pF for high-frequency filters up to µF for low-frequency filters. Converting values between units is essential for designing or analyzing filters.

1.Misplacing the Decimal Point:

2.Forgetting the "nano" vs "micro" Relationship:

3.Not Using Standard Values:

4.Unit Confusion in Labeling/Coding:

Misinterpreting a label (e.g., reading "4n7" as 47µF instead of 4.7nF) or a code (e.g., thinking "105" means 105pF instead of 1,000,000 pF = 1 µF).

5.Ignoring Context:

6.Forgetting to Convert in Reactance Calculations:

Plugging nanofarads directly into the Xc = 1/(2πfC) formula without first converting to Farads will give you a wildly wrong answer (off by a factor of a billion!).

Mastering the conversion between nanofarads (nF) and microfarads (µF) is a fundamental skill in electronics, opening doors to understanding schematics, building circuits, and troubleshooting problems. 

By understanding the units (F, µF, nF, pF), learning the straightforward conversion formula (µF = nF ÷ 1000), you able to apply the knowledge to real-world applications like power supplies, audio circuits, and filters. 

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