Nanofarad to Microfarad Converter
Convert capacitance values between nanofarads (nF) and microfarads (μF) instantly. This converter handles all your capacitor value conversions with precision, whether you’re working on circuit design, electronics projects, or component selection.
Quick Conversions
Conversion History
Conversion Formula
The relationship between nanofarads and microfarads is straightforward. Since one microfarad equals 1,000 nanofarads, the conversion formula is:
To convert in the opposite direction:
These conversions are based on the metric prefixes: “micro” (μ) represents 10-6 and “nano” (n) represents 10-9. The difference between these powers of ten gives us the factor of 1,000.
Step-by-Step Conversion
Converting between these units is simple once you remember the relationship. Here’s how to do it manually:
- From nF to μF: Take your nanofarad value and divide by 1,000. For example, 2,200 nF ÷ 1,000 = 2.2 μF.
- From μF to nF: Multiply your microfarad value by 1,000. For example, 0.47 μF × 1,000 = 470 nF.
- Quick mental maths: Moving from nF to μF means moving the decimal point three places left. Going from μF to nF means shifting it three places right.
nF to μF Conversion Table
This table shows common capacitor values you’ll encounter in electronics projects, from small signal capacitors to larger filter capacitors.
| Nanofarads (nF) | Microfarads (μF) |
|---|---|
| 1 nF | 0.001 μF |
| 10 nF | 0.01 μF |
| 22 nF | 0.022 μF |
| 47 nF | 0.047 μF |
| 100 nF | 0.1 μF |
| 220 nF | 0.22 μF |
| 330 nF | 0.33 μF |
| 470 nF | 0.47 μF |
| 680 nF | 0.68 μF |
| 1,000 nF | 1.0 μF |
| 2,200 nF | 2.2 μF |
| 4,700 nF | 4.7 μF |
| 10,000 nF | 10 μF |
| 22,000 nF | 22 μF |
| 47,000 nF | 47 μF |
| 100,000 nF | 100 μF |
What Are Capacitors?
Capacitors are passive electronic components that store electrical energy in an electric field. They’re found in virtually every electronic device, from mobile phones to power supplies. The capacitance value tells you how much charge a capacitor can store for a given voltage.
The farad (F) is the SI unit of capacitance, named after Michael Faraday. However, one farad is enormous for most practical applications. That’s why we use smaller units like microfarads and nanofarads in everyday electronics.
Where You’ll Find These Values
Different capacitance ranges suit different purposes:
- 1-100 nF: Coupling and decoupling in audio circuits, high-frequency bypass, timing circuits
- 100-1,000 nF: Power supply decoupling, general filtering, timing applications
- 1-10 μF: Low-frequency filtering, power supply smoothing, audio coupling
- 10-100 μF: Power supply filtering, motor start capacitors, energy storage
Common Capacitor Values in the UK
Electronic components follow standardised value series. The E12 series is widely used for capacitors with ±10% tolerance. These values follow a geometric progression that covers the full range efficiently.
| E12 Base Values | Common nF Values | Common μF Values |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 nF, 100 nF, 1,000 nF | 10 μF, 100 μF |
| 12 | 12 nF, 120 nF, 1,200 nF | 12 μF |
| 15 | 15 nF, 150 nF, 1,500 nF | 15 μF |
| 18 | 18 nF, 180 nF, 1,800 nF | 18 μF |
| 22 | 22 nF, 220 nF, 2,200 nF | 22 μF, 220 μF |
| 27 | 27 nF, 270 nF, 2,700 nF | 27 μF |
| 33 | 33 nF, 330 nF, 3,300 nF | 33 μF, 330 μF |
| 39 | 39 nF, 390 nF, 3,900 nF | 39 μF |
| 47 | 47 nF, 470 nF, 4,700 nF | 47 μF, 470 μF |
| 56 | 56 nF, 560 nF, 5,600 nF | 56 μF |
| 68 | 68 nF, 680 nF, 6,800 nF | 68 μF |
| 82 | 82 nF, 820 nF, 8,200 nF | 82 μF |
Capacitance Unit Conversions
Capacitance measurements use several different units. Here’s how they all relate to each other, helping you convert between any capacitance unit.
| Unit | Symbol | Value in Farads | Conversion to μF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farad | F | 1 F | 1,000,000 μF |
| Millifarad | mF | 10-3 F | 1,000 μF |
| Microfarad | μF | 10-6 F | 1 μF |
| Nanofarad | nF | 10-9 F | 0.001 μF |
| Picofarad | pF | 10-12 F | 0.000001 μF |
Quick Reference: Additional Conversions
- nF to pF: Multiply by 1,000 (e.g., 1 nF = 1,000 pF)
- μF to mF: Divide by 1,000 (e.g., 1,000 μF = 1 mF)
- μF to F: Divide by 1,000,000 (e.g., 1,000,000 μF = 1 F)
- pF to nF: Divide by 1,000 (e.g., 10,000 pF = 10 nF)
Capacitor Marking Codes
Small capacitors often use coded markings rather than printing the full value. Here’s how to read them when you encounter nanofarad and microfarad values.
Three-Digit Code System
Many ceramic capacitors use a three-digit code where the first two digits are the value and the third is the multiplier (number of zeros). The value is typically in picofarads:
- 104: 10 + 0000 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 μF
- 473: 47 + 000 = 47,000 pF = 47 nF = 0.047 μF
- 225: 22 + 00000 = 2,200,000 pF = 2,200 nF = 2.2 μF
Handy tip: If you see a code like “104” on a capacitor, remember it’s 100 nF (or 0.1 μF). This is one of the most common values for power supply decoupling.
Choosing Between nF and μF
When should you express a capacitance value in nanofarads versus microfarads? There are some informal conventions in the electronics community.
Values below 1,000 nF (1 μF) are typically written in nanofarads. Once you reach 1 μF and above, it’s more common to use microfarads. This keeps the numbers manageable and matches how components are usually labelled.
For example, you’d normally say “470 nF” rather than “0.47 μF”, but you’d say “4.7 μF” rather than “4,700 nF”. However, when working with very large capacitors (above 1,000 μF), you might occasionally see millifarads (mF) used instead.
Everyday Circuit Examples
These capacitor values appear constantly in practical circuits. Here are some situations where you’ll use specific conversions:
Power Supply Decoupling
A typical microcontroller circuit uses 100 nF (0.1 μF) ceramic capacitors near each power pin for high-frequency noise filtering, plus a 10 μF (10,000 nF) electrolytic capacitor for bulk decoupling. The different values work together across different frequencies.
Audio Coupling
Audio circuits often use capacitors in the 100 nF to 10 μF range for coupling between stages. A 1 μF (1,000 nF) capacitor is common for coupling audio signals whilst blocking DC.
Timing Circuits
The classic 555 timer often uses capacitors from 10 nF to 100 μF depending on the desired timing period. Converting between units helps you substitute components when needed.
FAQs
How many nanofarads are in a microfarad?
There are 1,000 nanofarads in one microfarad. This relationship is fixed by the metric prefixes: “micro” means one millionth and “nano” means one billionth, giving a ratio of 1,000 between them.
Is 100 nF the same as 0.1 μF?
Yes, 100 nF and 0.1 μF are exactly the same capacitance value. They’re just expressed in different units. You’ll see both used interchangeably in circuit diagrams and component specifications.
Why do capacitors use so many different units?
Capacitance values in electronics span an enormous range, from a few picofarads to several farads. Using different units keeps the numbers manageable. It’s easier to say “47 nF” than “0.000047 F” or “47,000 pF”.
Can I substitute a 220 nF capacitor with a 0.22 μF capacitor?
Yes, these are identical values written in different units. They’re completely interchangeable. Always check the voltage rating and capacitor type match your application as well.
What’s the difference between nF and μF in practical terms?
There’s no practical difference – they’re just different ways of expressing capacitance. Generally, smaller values (below 1,000 nF) are written in nanofarads, whilst larger values are written in microfarads. This convention makes numbers easier to read.
How do I convert 1000 nF to μF?
Divide 1,000 by 1,000 to get 1 μF. Any time you convert from nanofarads to microfarads, you divide by 1,000. So 1,000 nF = 1 μF exactly.
Are nanofarad capacitors smaller than microfarad capacitors?
Not necessarily. The unit describes the capacitance value, not the physical size. A 100 nF ceramic capacitor might be tiny, whilst a 100 nF film capacitor could be much larger. Physical size depends on the capacitor technology, voltage rating, and tolerance.
What does the μ symbol mean in μF?
The μ symbol (Greek letter mu) represents the metric prefix “micro”, meaning one millionth. So μF means one millionth of a farad. Sometimes you’ll see it written as “uF” when the μ symbol isn’t available.
Can I use a higher value capacitor than specified?
It depends on the application. In some circuits, like power supply filtering, using a larger capacitor is usually fine. In timing circuits or tuned circuits, changing the capacitance will alter the circuit behaviour. Always check whether your specific circuit is sensitive to the exact capacitance value.
What’s the most common capacitor value for decoupling?
The 100 nF (0.1 μF) capacitor is the standard choice for power supply decoupling in digital circuits. It’s so common that many engineers default to this value for bypass capacitors near integrated circuits.