This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from millifarads (mF) to nanofarads (nF). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Farad, Millifarad, and Nanofarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Millifarad (mF), and Nanofarad (nF). 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 thousand millifarads (1,000 mF) or one billion nanofarads (1,000,000,000 nF).
What is a Millifarad (mF)?
A millifarad (mF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of a farad (0.001 F). It is commonly used in audio circuits, power filtering, and general-purpose electronics where moderate capacitance values are needed.
What is a Nanofarad (nF)?
A nanofarad (nF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a farad (0.000000001 F). It is widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in filters, oscillators, and timing circuits.
mF to nF 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) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001) while the nano- prefix represents 10-9 (0.000000001).
To convert millifarads (mF) to nanofarads (nF), multiply the capacitance value in millifarads by 1,000,000, since 1 millifarads equals 1,000,000 nanofarads.
C(nF) = C(mF) × 1,000,000
Or remember the mF-to-nF conversion factor: 1 mF = 1,000,000 nF
mF to nF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from millifarads (mF) to nanofarads (nF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Millifarads (mF) | Nanofarads (nF) |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mF | 1 nF |
| 0.001 mF | 1,000 nF |
| 0.1 mF | 100,000 nF |
| 0.22 mF | 220,000 nF |
| 0.47 mF | 470,000 nF |
| 1 mF | 1,000,000 nF |
| 1.1 mF | 1,100,000 nF |
| 1.2 mF | 1,200,000 nF |
| 1.3 mF | 1,300,000 nF |
| 1.5 mF | 1,500,000 nF |
| 1.6 mF | 1,600,000 nF |
| 1.8 mF | 1,800,000 nF |
| 2 mF | 2,000,000 nF |
| 2.2 mF | 2,200,000 nF |
| 2.4 mF | 2,400,000 nF |
| 2.7 mF | 2,700,000 nF |
| 3 mF | 3,000,000 nF |
| 3.3 mF | 3,300,000 nF |
| 3.6 mF | 3,600,000 nF |
| 3.9 mF | 3,900,000 nF |
| 4.3 mF | 4,300,000 nF |
| 4.7 mF | 4,700,000 nF |
| 5.1 mF | 5,100,000 nF |
| 5.6 mF | 5,600,000 nF |
| 6.2 mF | 6,200,000 nF |
| 6.8 mF | 6,800,000 nF |
| 7.5 mF | 7,500,000 nF |
| 8.2 mF | 8,200,000 nF |
| 9.1 mF | 9,100,000 nF |
| 10 mF | 10,000,000 nF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from millifarads to nanofarads (mF to nF).
Example: Capacitor in Analog Timing Circuit
Suppose you're designing an analog timing circuit and selecting a capacitor for the RC delay. The datasheet recommends a capacitor rated at 2.2 millifarads (mF). However, your simulation software and component library use nanofarads (nF), so you need to convert the value.
Solution
Since 1 millifarad (mF) = 106 = 1,000,000 nanofarads (nF), we can convert 2.2 mF to nanofarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 2.2 mF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 2,200,000 nF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in millifarads: For this example, enter
2.2into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanofarads:
2,200,000 nF.
FAQs
Is a millifarad or a nanofarad larger?
A millifarad (mF) is a million times bigger than a nanofarad (nF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 mF = 106 = 1,000,000 nF1 nF = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 mF
How to convert from millifarads to nanofarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from millifarads (mF) to nanofarads (nF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in millifarads (mF).
- Multiply it by 1,000,000.
- The result is the capacitance in nanofarads (nF).
Why do I need to convert millifarads to nanofarads?
Datasheets, simulation tools, and component catalogs may use different units depending on the application. Converting ensures consistency and avoids misinterpretation when selecting components or verifying circuit values.
You now know how to convert electrical capacitance from millifarads (mF) to nanofarads (nF). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
