This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from milliamperes (mA) to microamperes (µA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Milliampere, and Microampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Milliampere (mA), and Microampere (µA). 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 thousand milliamperes (103 mA or 1,000 mA).
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.
What is 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.
mA to µA 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 milli- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001) while the micro- represents a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001).
So, to convert from milliamps to microamps, multiply the number of milliamps (I(mA)) by 1,000.
I(µA) = I(mA) × 103 = I(mA) × 1,000
Or remember the mA-to-µA conversion factor: 1 mA = 103 = 1,000 µA
mA to µA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from milliamperes (mA) to microamperes (µA). It covers a range from 0.1 A to 1,000 mA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Milliamperes (mA) | Microamperes (µA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 mA | 100 µA |
| 0.5 mA | 500 µA |
| 1 mA | 1,000 µA |
| 2 mA | 2,000 µA |
| 4 mA | 4,000 µA |
| 5 mA | 5,000 µA |
| 10 mA | 10,000 µA |
| 20 mA | 20,000 µA |
| 30 mA | 30,000 µA |
| 40 mA | 40,000 µA |
| 50 mA | 50,000 µA |
| 60 mA | 60,000 µA |
| 70 mA | 70,000 µA |
| 80 mA | 80,000 µA |
| 90 mA | 90,000 µA |
| 100 mA | 100,000 µA |
| 200 mA | 200,000 µA |
| 500 mA | 500,000 µA |
| 800 mA | 800,000 µA |
| 1,000 mA | 1,000,000 µA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from milliamperes to microamperes (mA to µA).
Example: IoT Device Power Management
In low-power IoT applications, sensors and wireless transceivers typically operate with currents in the milliampere range. Converting these measurements to microamperes offers greater precision for optimizing battery life and energy consumption.
If an IoT sensor draws 0.35 mA, how many microamperes is that? You need it to fine-tune energy efficiency in the device.
Solution
Since 1 milliampere (mA) = 103 = 1,000 microamperes (µA), we can convert 0.35 mA to microamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.35 mA electric current is equivalent to 350 µA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in milliamperes: For this example, enter
0.35into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in microamperes:
350 µA.
FAQs
Is 1 milliampere or 1 microampere larger?
A milliampere (mA) is a million 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 milliamperes to microamperes?
To convert electric current from milliamperes (mA) to microamperes (µA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
milliamperes (mA). - Multiply it by the value of a
mA-to-µAconversion factor:103or1,000. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
microamperes (µA).
Why do I need to convert milliamperes to microamperes?
Converting from milliamperes to microamperes becomes crucial when measuring very small currents. Using microamperes gives you a finer resolution and makes subtle changes easier to detect.
This conversion also simplifies comparisons with datasheet specifications and sensor thresholds, improving measurement accuracy in low-power applications.
You now know how to convert electric current from milliamperes (mA) to microamperes (µA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
