This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from milliamperes (mA) to nanoamperes (nA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Milliampere, and Nanoampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Milliampere (mA), and Nanoampere (nA). 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 Nanoampere?
A nanoampere (nA) is a unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of an ampere (10-9 A).
It represents an extremely small current level, commonly used in fields where precise measurements are necessary, such as semiconductor testing, quantum computing, nanotechnology research, and biomedical sensors, where minimal electric current variations must be accurately captured and analyzed.
mA to nA 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 nano- represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001).
So, to convert from milliamps to nanoamps, multiply the number of milliamps (I(mA)) by 1,000,000.
I(nA) = I(mA) × 106 = I(mA) × 1,000,000
Or remember the mA-to-nA conversion factor: 1 mA = 106 = 1,000,000 nA
mA to nA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from milliamperes (mA) to nanoamperes (nA). It covers a range from 0.1 mA to 1,000 mA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Milliaperes (mA) | Nanoamperes (nA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 mA | 100,000 nA |
| 0.5 mA | 500,000 nA |
| 1 mA | 1,000,000 nA |
| 2 mA | 2,000,000 nA |
| 4 mA | 4,000,000 nA |
| 5 mA | 5,000,000 nA |
| 10 mA | 10,000,000 nA |
| 20 mA | 20,000,000 nA |
| 30 mA | 30,000,000 nA |
| 40 mA | 40,000,000 nA |
| 50 mA | 50,000,000 nA |
| 60 mA | 60,000,000 nA |
| 70 mA | 70,000,000 nA |
| 80 mA | 80,000,000 nA |
| 90 mA | 90,000,000 nA |
| 100 mA | 100,000,000 nA |
| 200 mA | 200,000,000 nA |
| 500 mA | 500,000,000 nA |
| 800 mA | 800,000,000 nA |
| 1,000 mA | 1,000,000,000 nA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from milliamperes to nanoamperes (mA to nA).
Example: Semiconductor Leakage Testing
In semiconductor quality control, leakage currents are extremely low. Converting the current measurements from milliamperes to nanoamperes refines the data for better analysis.
If a leakage current is 0.005 mA, how many nanoamperes is that? You need it to ensure the insulation meets design specifications.
Solution
Since 1 milliampere (mA) = 106 = 1,000,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 0.005 mA to nanoamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.005 mA leakage current is equivalent to 5,000 nA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in milliamperes: For this example, enter
0.005into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanoamperes:
5,000 nA.
FAQs
Is 1 milliampere or 1 nanoampere larger?
A milliampere (mA) is a million times bigger than a nanoampere (nA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 mA = 106 = 1,000,000 nA1 nA = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 mA
How to convert from milliamperes to nanoamperes?
To convert electric current from milliamperes (mA) to nanoamperes (nA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
milliamperes (mA). - Multiply it by the value of a
mA-to-nAconversion factor:106or1,000,000. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
nanoamperes (nA).
Why do I need to convert milliamperes to nanoamperes?
Converting milliamperes to nanoamperes is essential when measuring extremely small currents. Expressing tiny values in nanoamperes rather than in fractions of a milliampere makes it easier to interpret and reduces the risk of errors in calculations.
This conversion is critical in fields such as biomedical sensor measurements, semiconductor leakage testing, and quantum circuit analysis, where precise detection of very low currents is necessary for accurate analysis and reliable results.
You now know how to convert electric current from milliamperes (mA) to nanoamperes (nA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
