Farads to Nanofarads (F to nF) Converter

This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from farads (F) to nanofarads (nF). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Farad and Nanofarad

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F) and Nanofarad (nF). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is a Farad?

A farad (1F) is the SI base unit of electrical capacitance representing the capacity to store one coulomb (1C) of electric charge when a potential difference of one volt (1V) is applied.^[1]

Definition of farad and its formula — Visual guide to farad definition and formula

According to SI prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, a farad (1 F) is equivalent to one billion nanofarads (10⁹ nF or 1,000,000,000 nF).

Farads to Nanofarads Conversion Scale — Farads to nanofarads conversion scale

Farads are typically used in high-capacity applications such as supercapacitors or energy storage systems.

What is a Nanofarad (nF)?

A nanofarad (nF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a farad (0.000000001 F).

Definition and Scale of a Nanofarad (nF) — Definition and scale of a nanofarad (nF)

Nanofarads are widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in filters, oscillators, and timing circuits.

F to nF 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.

SI Prefixes and Values — SI multiples and submultiples

The nano- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10^-9 (0.000000001). So, to convert from farads to nanofarads, multiply the number of farads (C_(F)) by 1,000,000,000.

C_(nF) = C_(F) × 10⁹ = C_(F) × 1,000,000,000

\text{C}_\text{(nF)} = \text{C}_\text{(F)} \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000

Or remember the F-to-nF conversion factor: 1 F = 1,000,000,000 nF

F to nF conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from farads (F) to nanofarads (nF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Farads (F)	Nanofarads (nF)
0.0000001 F	100 nF
0.00000022 F	220 nF
0.00000047 F	470 nF
0.000001 F	1,000 nF
0.0000011 F	1,100 nF
0.0000012 F	1,200 nF
0.0000013 F	1,300 nF
0.0000015 F	1,500 nF
0.0000016 F	1,600 nF
0.0000018 F	1,800 nF
0.000002 F	2,000 nF
0.0000022 F	2,200 nF
0.0000024 F	2,400 nF
0.0000027 F	2,700 nF
0.000003 F	3,000 nF
0.0000033 F	3,300 nF
0.0000036 F	3,600 nF
0.0000039 F	3,900 nF
0.0000043 F	4,300 nF
0.0000047 F	4,700 nF
0.0000051 F	5,100 nF
0.0000056 F	5,600 nF
0.0000062 F	6,200 nF
0.0000068 F	6,800 nF
0.0000075 F	7,500 nF
0.0000082 F	8,200 nF
0.0000091 F	9,100 nF

Farads (F) to nanofarads (nF) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from farads to nanofarads (F to nF).

Example: Capacitor in Oscillator Circuit

Oscillator circuits often require capacitors in the nanofarad range. Suppose you are building a signal generator, and the schematic specifies a capacitor of 0.0000033 F. However, the parts catalog lists capacitors in nanofarads (nF). To ensure you select the correct component, you need to convert the value.

Solution

Since 1 farad (F) = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 nanofarads (nF), we can convert 0.0000033 F to nanofarads by using the following formula:

$$\text{C}_\text{(nF)} = \text{C}_\text{(F)} \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000$$

$$\text{C}_\text{(nF)} = 0.0000033 \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000 = \boxed{3{,}300 \text{ nF}}$$

Therefore, the 0.0000033 F electrical capacitance is equivalent to 3,300 nF.

To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:

Enter the value in farads: For this example, enter 0.0000033 F into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanofarads: 3,300 nF.

Farads to Nanofarads (F to nF) conversion example — Steps to convert from farads to nanofarads with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 farad or 1 nanofarad larger?

A farad (F) is a billion times bigger than a nanofarad (nF). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 F = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 nF
1 nF = 10^-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 F

How to convert from farads to nanofarads?

To convert electrical capacitance from farads (F) to nanofarads (nF), follow these simple steps:

Write down the electrical capacitance value in farads (F).
Multiply it by the value of a F-to-nF conversion factor: 10⁹ or 1,000,000,000.
The result of multiplication is the value of the electrical capacitance in nanofarads (nF).

Why do I need to convert farads to nanofarads?

Most capacitors in practical electronics are rated in nanofarads or picofarads. Converting makes datasheets, calculations, and circuit design more intuitive. For example, instead of writing 0.00000033 F, it’s clearer to say 330 nF.

You now know how to convert electrical capacitance from farads (F) to nanofarads (nF). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.