This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from microfarads (µF) 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, Microfarad, and Picofarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Microfarad (µF), 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]
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 one trillion picofarads (1,000,000,000,000 pF).
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). It is widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in audio circuits, filters, and timing applications.
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). It is commonly used in RF circuits, oscillators, and high‑speed digital designs where capacitances are very small.
µF 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.
The micro- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001) while the pico- prefix represents 10-12 (0.000000000001).
To convert microfarads (µF) to picofarads (pF), multiply the capacitance value in microfarads by 1,000,000, since 1 microfarads equals 1,000,000 picofarads.
C(pF) = C(µF) × 1,000,000
Or remember the µF-to-pF conversion factor: 1 µF = 1,000,000 pF
µF to pF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from microfarads (µF) to picofarads (pF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Microfarads (µF) | Picofarads (pF) |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 µF | 1 pF |
| 0.001 µF | 1,000 pF |
| 0.1 µF | 100,000 pF |
| 0.22 µF | 220,000 pF |
| 0.47 µF | 470,000 pF |
| 1 µF | 1,000,000 pF |
| 1.1 µF | 1,100,000 pF |
| 1.2 µF | 1,200,000 pF |
| 1.3 µF | 1,300,000 pF |
| 1.5 µF | 1,500,000 pF |
| 1.6 µF | 1,600,000 pF |
| 1.8 µF | 1,800,000 pF |
| 2 µF | 2,000,000 pF |
| 2.2 µF | 2,200,000 pF |
| 2.4 µF | 2,400,000 pF |
| 2.7 µF | 2,700,000 pF |
| 3 µF | 3,000,000 pF |
| 3.3 µF | 3,300,000 pF |
| 3.6 µF | 3,600,000 pF |
| 3.9 µF | 3,900,000 pF |
| 4.3 µF | 4,300,000 pF |
| 4.7 µF | 4,700,000 pF |
| 5.1 µF | 5,100,000 pF |
| 5.6 µF | 5,600,000 pF |
| 6.2 µF | 6,200,000 pF |
| 6.8 µF | 6,800,000 pF |
| 7.5 µF | 7,500,000 pF |
| 8.2 µF | 8,200,000 pF |
| 9.1 µF | 9,100,000 pF |
| 10 µF | 10,000,000 pF |
| 1,000 µF | 1,000,000,000 pF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from microfarads to picofarads (µF to pF).
Example: Capacitor in RF Circuit Design
Suppose you're designing an RF filter and the schematic specifies a capacitor of 0.056 µF. However, your simulation software requires the value in picofarads to calculate impedance and frequency response.
Solution
Since 1 microfarad (µF) = 106 = 1,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 0.056 µF to picofarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.056 µF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 56,000 pF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in microfarads: For this example, enter
0.056into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in picofarads:
56,000 pF.
FAQs
Is a microfarad or a picofarad larger?
A microfarad (µF) is a million times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 µF = 106 = 1,000,000 pF1 pF = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 pF
How to convert from microfarads to picofarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from microfarads (µF) to picofarads (pF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in microfarads (µF).
- Multiply it by 1,000,000.
- The result is the capacitance in picofarads (pF).
Why do I need to convert microfarads to picofarads?
Converting microfarads (µF) to picofarads (pF) is important because different contexts in electronics use different unit scales, and keeping them consistent avoids errors in design, simulation, and documentation.
You now know how to convert electrical capacitance from microfarads (µF) to picofarads (pF). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
