This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from amperes (A) to nanoamperes (nA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere and Nanoampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A) and Nanoampere (nA). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is Ampere?
The ampere (A) is the SI base unit of electric current, representing the amount of charge flowing through a conductor per second.[1] It is defined based on the elementary charge (e), where 1 A = 1 coulomb per second (C/s).
"Amp" is an informal abbreviation commonly used in everyday conversation and electrical contexts, though "A" remains the official SI unit symbol.
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ampere (1 A) is equivalent to one billion nanoamperes (109 nA or 1,000,000,000 nA).
What is Nanoampere?
A nanoampere (nA) is a unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of an ampere (10-9 A).
It represents an extremely small current level, commonly used in fields where precise measurements are necessary, such as semiconductor testing, quantum computing, nanotechnology research, and biomedical sensors, where minimal electric current variations must be accurately captured and analyzed.
A to nA formula
Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.
The nano- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001). So, to convert from amps to nanoamps, multiply the number of amps (I(A)) by 1,000,000,000.
I(nA) = I(A) × 109 = I(A) × 1,000,000,000
Or remember the A-to-nA conversion factor: 1 A = 1,000,000,000 nA
A to nA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from amperes (A) to nanoamperes (nA). It covers a range from 0.1 A to 1,000 A, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Amperes (A) | Nanoamperes (nA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 A | 100,000,000 nA |
| 0.5 A | 500,000,000 nA |
| 1 A | 1,000,000,000 nA |
| 2 A | 2,000,000,000 nA |
| 4 A | 4,000,000,000 nA |
| 5 A | 5,000,000,000 nA |
| 10 A | 10,000,000,000 nA |
| 20 A | 20,000,000,000 nA |
| 30 A | 30,000,000,000 nA |
| 40 A | 40,000,000,000 nA |
| 50 A | 50,000,000,000 nA |
| 60 A | 60,000,000,000 nA |
| 70 A | 70,000,000,000 nA |
| 80 A | 80,000,000,000 nA |
| 90 A | 90,000,000,000 nA |
| 100 A | 100,000,000,000 nA |
| 200 A | 200,000,000,000 nA |
| 500 A | 500,000,000,000 nA |
| 800 A | 800,000,000,000 nA |
| 1,000 A | 1,000,000,000,000 nA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from amperes to nanoamperes (A to nA).
Example: Detecting Leakage Current in Microchips
Engineers analyze transistor leakage currents to ensure circuit stability in microprocessors. Since leakage can occur in the nanoampere range, converting amperes to nanoamperes provides precise measurement for testing efficiency.
If a transistor has a leakage current of 0.00000025 A, how many nanoamperes is that? You need it to verify microchip performance.
Solution
Since 1 ampere (A) = 109 = 1,000,000,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 0.00000025 A to nanoamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.00000025 A leakage current is equivalent to 250 nA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in amperes: For this example, enter
0.00000025 Ainto theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanoamperes:
250 nA.
FAQs
Is 1 ampere or 1 nanoampere larger?
An ampere (A) is a billion times bigger than a nanoampere (nA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 A = 109 = 1,000,000,000 nA1 nA = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 A
How to convert from amperes to nanoamperes?
To convert electric current from amperes (A) to nanoamperes (nA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
amperes (A). - Multiply it by the value of a
A-to-nAconversion factor:109or1,000,000,000. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
nanoamperes (nA).
Why do I need to convert amperes to nanoamperes?
Converting amperes (A) to nanoamperes (nA) is essential for precision in low-power electronics, semiconductor testing, medical devices, and space instrumentation, where even tiny current variations affect functionality. This ensures accurate calibration in microchips, pacemakers, quantum circuits, and cosmic ray detectors, helping scientists and engineers maintain efficiency and reliability in advanced technology.
You now know how to convert electric current from amperes (A) to nanoamperes (nA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
