This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from microamperes (µA) to milliamperes (mA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Microampere, and Milliampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Microampere (µA), and Milliampere (mA). 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 million microamperes (106 µA or 1,000,000 µA).
What is a Microampere?
A microampere (µA) is a unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of an ampere (10-6 A).
It is commonly used in low-power electronics, medical devices, and precision instrumentation, where small currents are crucial for accurate operation.
What is a Milliampere?
A milliampere (mA) is a unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of an ampere (0.001 A).
Milliamps are simply amps divided by 1,000, like breaking a dollar into pennies. They’re the standard unit for devices such as phones, LED bulbs, or fitness trackers, where currents are tiny. Milliamps simplify design, troubleshooting, and documentation, keeping numbers clean and reducing errors.
µA to mA 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 micro- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001) while the milli- represents a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001).
So, to convert from microamps to milliamps, divide the number of microamps (I(µA)) by 1,000.
I(mA) = I(µA) ÷ 103 = I(µA) ÷ 1,000
Or remember the µA-to-mA conversion factor: 1 µA = 10-3 = 0.001 mA
µA to mA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from microamperes (µA) to milliamperes (mA). It covers a range from 0.1 µA to 1,000 µA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Microampere (µA) | Milliampere (mA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 µA | 0.0001 mA |
| 0.5 µA | 0.0005 mA |
| 1 µA | 0.001 mA |
| 2 µA | 0.002 mA |
| 4 µA | 0.004 mA |
| 5 µA | 0.005 mA |
| 10 µA | 0.01 mA |
| 20 µA | 0.02 mA |
| 30 µA | 0.03 mA |
| 40 µA | 0.04 mA |
| 50 µA | 0.05 mA |
| 60 µA | 0.06 mA |
| 70 µA | 0.07 mA |
| 80 µA | 0.08 mA |
| 90 µA | 0.09 mA |
| 100 µA | 0.1 mA |
| 200 µA | 0.2 mA |
| 500 µA | 0.5 mA |
| 800 µA | 0.8 mA |
| 1000 µA | 1 mA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from microamperes to milliamperes (µA to mA).
Example: LED Backlighting Control Circuit
LED display panels sometimes use control circuits that operate at very low currents. Expressing those currents in milliamperes instead of microamperes simplifies integration with other circuit components.
If a control circuit uses 600 µA, how many milliamperes is that? You need it to ensure consistent performance while comparing with the driver circuit’s ratings.
Solution
Since 1 milliampere (mA) = 103 = 1,000 microamperes (µA), we can convert 600 µA to milliamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 600 µA electric current is equivalent to 0.6 mA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in microamperes: For this example, enter
600into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in milliamperes:
0.6 mA.
FAQs
Is 1 microampere or 1 milliampere larger?
A milliampere (mA) is a thousand times bigger than a microampere (µA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 mA = 103 = 1,000 µA1 µA = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 mA
How to convert from microamperes to milliamperes?
To convert electric current from microamperes (µA) to milliamperes (mA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
microamperes (µA). - Multiply it by the value of a
µA-to-mAconversion factor:10-3or0.001. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
milliamperes (mA).
Why do I need to convert microamperes to milliamperes?
Converting microamperes to milliamperes helps standardize measurements when integrating low-current devices into larger systems. Milliamperes are often used in datasheets and system calculations, making it simpler to compare component specifications and assess overall power consumption
This conversion also simplifies mathematical operations by reducing the number of digits you need to work with. Whether designing circuits or troubleshooting performance issues, having measurements in a consistent unit streamlines calculations and enhances clarity.
You now know how to convert electric current from microamperes (µA) to milliamperes (mA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
