Farads to Picofarads (F to pF) Converter

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

Definitions of Farad and Picofarad

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F) and Picofarad (pF). 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 trillion picofarads (10¹² pF or 1,000,000,000,000 pF).

Farads to Picofarads Conversion Scale — Farads to picofarads conversion scale

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

What is a Picofarad (pF)?

A picofarad (pF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one trillionth (1/1,000,000,000,000) of a farad (0.000000000001 F).

Definition and Scale of a Picofarad (pF) — Definition and scale of a picofarad (pF)

Picofarads are commonly used in RF circuits, oscillators, and high‑speed digital designs where capacitances are very small.

F to pF 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 pico- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10^-12 (0.000000000001). So, to convert from farads to picofarads, multiply the number of farads (C_(F)) by 1,000,000,000,000.

C_(pF) = C_(F) × 10¹² = C_(F) × 1,000,000,000,000

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

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

F to pF conversion table

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

Farads (F)	Picofarads (pF)
0.0000000001 F	100 pF
0.00000000022 F	220 pF
0.00000000047 F	470 pF
0.000000001 F	1,000 pF
0.0000000011 F	1,100 pF
0.0000000012 F	1,200 pF
0.0000000013 F	1,300 pF
0.0000000015 F	1,500 pF
0.0000000016 F	1,600 pF
0.0000000018 F	1,800 pF
0.000000002 F	2,000 pF
0.0000000022 F	2,200 pF
0.0000000024 F	2,400 pF
0.0000000027 F	2,700 pF
0.000000003 F	3,000 pF
0.0000000033 F	3,300 pF
0.0000000036 F	3,600 pF
0.0000000039 F	3,900 pF
0.0000000043 F	4,300 pF
0.0000000047 F	4,700 pF
0.0000000051 F	5,100 pF
0.0000000056 F	5,600 pF
0.0000000062 F	6,200 pF
0.0000000068 F	6,800 pF
0.0000000075 F	7,500 pF
0.0000000082 F	8,200 pF
0.0000000091 F	9,100 pF

Farads (F) to picofarads (pF) conversion table

Examples

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

Example: PCB Trace Parasitic Capacitance

While reviewing a high‑speed digital layout, you estimate a short trace and connector add about 0.000000000012 F of parasitic capacitance. You need this in picofarads to compare with the input capacitance on the receiving IC and to decide if a series termination is needed.

Solution

Since 1 farad (F) = 10¹² = 1,000,000,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 0.000000000012 F to picofarads by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{C}_\text{(pF)} = 0.000000000012 \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000 = \boxed{12 \text{ pF}}$$

Therefore, the 0.000000000012 F electrical capacitance is equivalent to 12 pF.

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

Enter the value in farads: For this example, enter 0.000000000012 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in picofarads: 12 pF.

Farads to Picofarads (F to pF) conversion example — Steps to convert from farads to picofarads with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 farad or 1 picofarad larger?

A farad (F) is a trillion times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 F = 10¹² = 1,000,000,000,000 pF
1 pF = 10^-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 F

How to convert from farads to picofarads?

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

Write down the electrical capacitance value in farads (F).
Multiply it by the value of a F-to-pF conversion factor: 10¹² or 1,000,000,000,000.
The result of multiplication is the value of the electrical capacitance in picofarads (pF).

Why do I need to convert farads to picofarads?

Most Radio Frequency (RF), high‑speed digital, and precision analog components are specified in pF. Converting ensures you match datasheets, supplier listings, and simulation units without awkward decimals.

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