This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from millifarads (mF) 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, Millifarad, and Picofarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Millifarad (mF), 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 thousand millifarads (1,000 mF) or one trillion picofarads (1,000,000,000,000 pF).
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 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.
mF 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 milli- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001) while the pico- prefix represents 10-12 (0.000000000001).
To convert millifarads (mF) to picofarads (pF), multiply the capacitance value in millifarads by 1,000,000,000, since 1 millifarads equals 1,000,000,000 picofarads.
C(pF) = C(mF) × 1,000,000,000
Or remember the mF-to-pF conversion factor: 1 mF = 1,000,000,000 pF
mF to pF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from millifarads (mF) to picofarads (pF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Millifarads (mF) | Picofarads (pF) |
|---|---|
| 0.000000001 mF | 1 pF |
| 0.000001 mF | 1,000 pF |
| 0.001 mF | 1,000,000 pF |
| 0.1 mF | 100,000,000 pF |
| 0.22 mF | 220,000,000 pF |
| 0.47 mF | 470,000,000 pF |
| 1 mF | 1,000,000,000 pF |
| 1.1 mF | 1,100,000,000 pF |
| 1.2 mF | 1,200,000,000 pF |
| 1.3 mF | 1,300,000,000 pF |
| 1.5 mF | 1,500,000,000 pF |
| 1.6 mF | 1,600,000,000 pF |
| 1.8 mF | 1,800,000,000 pF |
| 2 mF | 2,000,000,000 pF |
| 2.2 mF | 2,200,000,000 pF |
| 2.4 mF | 2,400,000,000 pF |
| 2.7 mF | 2,700,000,000 pF |
| 3 mF | 3,000,000,000 pF |
| 3.3 mF | 3,300,000,000 pF |
| 3.6 mF | 3,600,000,000 pF |
| 3.9 mF | 3,900,000,000 pF |
| 4.3 mF | 4,300,000,000 pF |
| 4.7 mF | 4,700,000,000 pF |
| 5.1 mF | 5,100,000,000 pF |
| 5.6 mF | 5,600,000,000 pF |
| 6.2 mF | 6,200,000,000 pF |
| 6.8 mF | 6,800,000,000 pF |
| 7.5 mF | 7,500,000,000 pF |
| 8.2 mF | 8,200,000,000 pF |
| 9.1 mF | 9,100,000,000 pF |
| 10 mF | 10,000,000,000 pF |
| 1,000 mF | 1,000,000,000,000 pF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from millifarads to picofarads (mF to pF).
Example: Capacitor in RF Matching Network
You’re designing an RF matching network and selecting a capacitor for impedance tuning. The datasheet recommends a capacitor rated at 0.0068 millifarads (mF). However, your simulation software and component library use picofarads (pF), so you need to convert the value.
Solution
Since 1 millifarad (mF) = 109 = 1,000,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 0.0068 mF to picofarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.0068 mF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 6,800,000 pF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in millifarads: For this example, enter
0.0068into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in picofarads:
6,800,000 pF.
FAQs
Is a millifarad or a picofarad larger?
A millifarad (mF) is a billion times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 mF = 109 = 1,000,000,000 pF1 pF = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 pF
How to convert from millifarads to picofarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from millifarads (mF) to picofarads (pF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in millifarads (mF).
- Multiply it by
1,000,000,000. - The result is the capacitance in picofarads (pF).
Why do I need to convert millifarads to picofarads?
Converting millifarads (mF) 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 millifarads (mF) to picofarads (pF). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
