Gigaampere to Nanoampere Converter

This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) 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, Gigaampere, and Nanoampere

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Gigaampere (GA), 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.

Ampere Definition and Illustration — What is Ampere? The definition and illustration.

According to SI prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ampere (1 A) is equivalent to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a gigaampere (10^-9 GA or 0.000000001 GA).

What is a Gigaampere?

A gigaampere (GA) is a derived unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billion amperes (1,000,000,000 A).

What is Gigaampere (GA)? — What is a Gigaampere (GA)?

Gigaamperes are used in extreme scenarios, such as theoretical models in astrophysics, high-energy plasma physics, or advanced experimental setups, where it’s necessary to describe incredibly large currents in a compact and understandable way.

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.

GA 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 giga- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000) while the nano- represents a multiplier of 10^-9 (0.000000001).

So, to convert from gigaamps to nanoamps, multiply the number of gigaamps (I_(GA)) by 10¹⁸ (1,000,000,000,000,000,000).

I_(nA) = I_(GA) × 10¹⁸ = I_(GA) × 1,000,000,000,000,000,000

\text{I}_\text{(nA)} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 10^{18} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000

Or remember the GA-to-nA conversion factor: 1 GA = 10¹⁸ = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA

GA to nA conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) to nanoamperes (nA). It covers a range from 0.1 GA to 1,000 GA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Gigaamperes (GA)	Nanoamperes (nA)
0.1 GA	100,000,000,000,000,000 nA
0.5 GA	500,000,000,000,000,000 nA
1 GA	1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
2 GA	2,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
4 GA	4,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
5 GA	5,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
10 GA	10,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
20 GA	20,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
30 GA	30,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
40 GA	40,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
50 GA	50,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
60 GA	60,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
70 GA	70,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
80 GA	80,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
90 GA	90,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
100 GA	100,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
200 GA	200,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
500 GA	500,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
800 GA	800,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
1,000 GA	1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA

Gigaamp to nanoamp (GA to nA) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaamperes to nanoamperes (GA to nA).

Example: Astrophysical Plasma Ejections

Observations of solar corona events show that magnetic reconnection can produce extreme currents measured in gigaamperes. By converting these values into nanoamperes, astrophysicists can more easily compare simulation results with microphysical models.

If a solar flare releases 0.05 GA, what is the current in nanoamperes? You need it to analyze fine-scale particle acceleration within the plasma.

Solution

Since 1 gigaampere (GA) = 10¹⁸ = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 0.05 GA to nanoamperes by using the following formula:

$$\text{I}_\text{(nA)} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 10^{18}$$

$$\text{I}_\text{(nA)} = 0.05 \times 10^{18} = 50 \times 10^{15} = 50{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000 \text{ nA}$$

Therefore, the 0.05 GA electric current is equivalent to 50,000,000,000,000,000 nA.

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

Enter the value in gigaamperes: For this example, enter 0.05 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanoamperes: 50,000,000,000,000,000 nA.

Gigaamperes to Nanoamperes (GA to nA) converter example — Steps to convert from gigaamperes to nanoamperes with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 gigaampere or 1 nanoampere larger?

A gigaampere (GA) is a quintillion times bigger than a nanoampere (nA). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GA = 10¹⁸ = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
1 nA = 10^-18 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000000001 GA

How to convert from gigaamperes to nanoamperes?

To convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to nanoamperes (nA), follow these simple steps:

Write down the electric current value in gigaamperes (GA).
Multiply it by the value of a GA-to-nA conversion factor: 10¹⁸ or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000.
The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in nanoamperes (nA).

Why do I need to convert gigaamperes to nanoamperes?

Converting gigaamperes to nanoamperes is needed when you want to express very high current values in a scale suited for fine-grained analysis. Since 1 GA equals 1×10¹⁸ nA, expressing a value in nanoamperes transforms it into a number that can be directly compared with models or measurements on microscopic scales.

This conversion is especially useful in fields such as astrophysics and high-energy physics, where phenomena span a wide range of magnitudes. It enables researchers to reconcile extreme macroscopic current levels with the detailed parameters required in simulations and microphysical models.

You now know how to convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to nanoamperes (nA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.