This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from microfarads (µF) to farads (F). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Microfarad and Farad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Microfarad (µF) and Farad (F). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is a Microfarad (µF)?
A microfarad (µF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a farad (0.000001 F).
Microfarads are widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in audio circuits, filters, and timing applications.
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]
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, a farad (1 F) is equivalent to one million microfarads (1,000,000 µF or 106 µF).
Farads are typically used in high-capacity applications such as supercapacitors or energy storage systems.
µF to F 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). So, to convert from microfarads to farads, divide the number of microfarads (C(µF)) by 1,000,000.
C(F) = C(µF) × 10-6 = C(µF) ÷ 1,000,000
Or remember the µF-to-F conversion factor: 1 µF = 0.000001 F
µF to F conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from microfarads (µF) to farads (F). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Microfarads (µF) | Farads (F) |
|---|---|
| 100 µF | 0.0001 F |
| 220 µF | 0.00022 F |
| 470 µF | 0.00047 F |
| 1,000 µF | 0.001 F |
| 1,100 µF | 0.0011 F |
| 1,200 µF | 0.0012 F |
| 1,300 µF | 0.0013 F |
| 1,500 µF | 0.0015 F |
| 1,600 µF | 0.0016 F |
| 1,800 µF | 0.0018 F |
| 2,000 µF | 0.002 F |
| 2,200 µF | 0.0022 F |
| 2,400 µF | 0.0024 F |
| 2,700 µF | 0.0027 F |
| 3,000 µF | 0.003 F |
| 3,300 µF | 0.0033 F |
| 3,600 µF | 0.0036 F |
| 3,900 µF | 0.0039 F |
| 4,300 µF | 0.0043 F |
| 4,700 µF | 0.0047 F |
| 5,100 µF | 0.0051 F |
| 5,600 µF | 0.0056 F |
| 6,200 µF | 0.0062 F |
| 6,800 µF | 0.0068 F |
| 7,500 µF | 0.0075 F |
| 8,200 µF | 0.0082 F |
| 9,100 µF | 0.0091 F |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from microfarads to farads (µF to F).
Example: Energy Storage in a Power Supply Hold-Up Capacitor
In a DC power supply design, you’re selecting a hold-up capacitor to maintain output voltage during brief power interruptions. The design guide recommends a 4,700 µF capacitor. However, the energy storage formula requires the capacitance in farads:
$$\text{E} = \frac{1}{2} \text{CV}^2$$To calculate the stored energy, you must first convert the capacitance from microfarads to farads.
Solution
Since 1 farad (F) = 106 = 1,000,000 microfarads (µF), we can convert 4,700 µF to farads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 4,700 µF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 0.0047 F.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in microfarads: For this example, enter
4,700into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in farads:
0.0047 F.
FAQs
Is a microfarad or a farad larger?
A farad (F) is a million times bigger than a microfarad (µF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 F = 106 = 1,000,000 µF1 µF = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 F
How to convert from microfarads to farads?
To convert electrical capacitance from microfarads (µF) to farads (F), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in microfarads (µF).
- Divide it by 1,000,000.
- The result is the capacitance in farads (F).
Why do I need to convert microfarads to farads?
Converting microfarads (µF) to farads (F) is important because farads are the base SI unit of capacitance, and many engineering formulas, simulations, and datasheets expect values expressed in farads.
You now know how to convert electrical capacitance from microfarads (µF) to farads (F). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
