Nanoampere to Gigaampere Converter

This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) to gigaamperes (GA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Ampere, Nanoampere, and Gigaampere

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Nanoampere (nA), and Gigaampere (GA). 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.

Ampere Definition and Illustration — What is Ampere? The definition and illustration.

According to SI prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ampere (1 A) is equivalent to one billion nanoamperes (10⁹ nA or 1,000,000,000 nA).

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.

What is a Gigaampere?

A gigaampere (GA) is a derived unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billion amperes (1,000,000,000 A).

What is Gigaampere (GA)? — What is a Gigaampere (GA)?

Gigaamperes are used in extreme scenarios, such as theoretical models in astrophysics, high-energy plasma physics, or advanced experimental setups, where it’s necessary to describe incredibly large currents in a compact and understandable way.

nA to GA 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 nano- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10^-9 (0.000000001) while the giga- represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000).

So, to convert from nanoamps to gigaamps, divide the number of nanoamps (I_(nA)) by 10¹⁸ (1,000,000,000,000,000,000).

I_(GA) = I_(nA) ÷ 10¹⁸ = I_(nA) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000

\text{I}_\text{(GA)} = \frac{\text{I}_\text{(nA)}}{10^{18}} = \frac{\text{I}_\text{(nA)}}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000}

Or remember the nA-to-GA conversion factor: 1 nA = 10^-18 = 0.000000000000000001 GA

nA to GA conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) to gigaamperes (GA). It covers a range from 0.1 nA to 1,000 nA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Nanoamperes (nA)	Gigaamperes (GA)
0.1 nA	0.0000000000000000001 GA
0.5 nA	0.0000000000000000005 GA
1 nA	0.000000000000000001 GA
2 nA	0.000000000000000002 GA
4 nA	0.000000000000000004 GA
5 nA	0.000000000000000005 GA
10 nA	0.00000000000000001 GA
20 nA	0.00000000000000002 GA
30 nA	0.00000000000000003 GA
40 nA	0.00000000000000004 GA
50 nA	0.00000000000000005 GA
60 nA	0.00000000000000006 GA
70 nA	0.00000000000000007 GA
80 nA	0.00000000000000008 GA
90 nA	0.00000000000000009 GA
100 nA	0.0000000000000001 GA
200 nA	0.0000000000000002 GA
500 nA	0.0000000000000005 GA
800 nA	0.0000000000000008 GA
1,000 nA	0.000000000000001 GA

Nanoamperes (nA) to gigaamperes (GA) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from nanoamperes to gigaamperes (nA to GA).

Example: Advanced Particle Physics Detector Array

In a particle physics experiment, an ultra-dense array of detectors outputs currents in nanoamperes. Converting these values to GA facilitates the integration of experimental results into theoretical models.

If 500 trillion (500×10¹²) sensors each produce 1,000 nA, what is the total current in gigaamps (GA)? You need it to assess the cumulative current against model predictions.

Solution

The total electric current produce by 500 trillion sensors is:

$$\text{I}_\text{(nA)} = (500 \times 10^{12}) \times 1{,}000 \text { nA} = 500{,}000 \times 10^{12} = 500 \times 10^{15} \text{ nA}$$

Since 1 gigaampere (GA) = 10¹⁸ = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 500×10¹⁵ nA to kiloamperes by using the following formula:

$$\text{I}_\text{(GA)} = \frac{\text{I}_\text{(nA)}}{10^{18}}$$

$$\text{I}_\text{(GA)} = \frac{500 \times 10^{15}}{10^{18}} = \boxed{0.5 \text{ GA}}$$

Therefore, the 5×10¹⁵ nA electric current is equivalent to 0.5 GA.

To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:

Enter the value in nanoamperes: For this example, enter 500e15 or 500,000,000,000,000,000 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaamperes: 0.5 GA.

Steps to use our app to convert form nanoampere to gigaampere — Steps to convert from nanoamperes to gigaamperes with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 nanoampere or 1 gigaampere larger?

A gigaampere (GA) is a quintillion times bigger than a nanoampere (nA). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GA = 10¹⁸ = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nA
1 nA = 10^-18 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000000001 GA

How to convert from nanoamperes to gigaamperes?

To convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to gigaamperes (GA), follow these simple steps:

Write down the electric current value in nanoamperes (nA).
Multiply it by the value of a nA-to-GA conversion factor: 10^-18 or 0.000000000000000001.
The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in gigaamperes (GA).

Why do I need to convert nanoamperes to gigaamperes?

Converting nanoamperes to gigaamperes is beneficial when handling extremely large numbers of very small current readings. Although each sensor may produce only a few nanoamperes, the total current from billions or trillions of sensors can become substantial. Representing this aggregated value in gigaamperes condenses many small numbers into one concise figure.

This conversion simplifies calculations and makes comparisons with system specifications much easier. It enables engineers to analyze and design power distribution systems with a clear understanding of overall current demands.

You now know how to convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to gigaamperes (GA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.