This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) 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, Nanoampere, and Microampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Nanoampere (nA), 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 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 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.
nA 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 nano- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001) while the micro- represents a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001).
So, to convert from nanoamps to microamps, divide the number of nanoamps (I(nA)) by 1,000.
I(µA) = I(nA) ÷ 103 = I(nA) ÷ 1,000
Or remember the nA-to-µA conversion factor: 1 nA = 10-6 = 0.000001 µA
nA to µA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) to microamperes (µA). 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) | Microamperes (µA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 nA | 0.0001 µA |
| 0.5 nA | 0.0005 µA |
| 1 nA | 0.001 µA |
| 2 nA | 0.002 µA |
| 4 nA | 0.004 µA |
| 5 nA | 0.005 µA |
| 10 nA | 0.01 µA |
| 20 nA | 0.02 µA |
| 30 nA | 0.03 µA |
| 40 nA | 0.04 µA |
| 50 nA | 0.05 µA |
| 60 nA | 0.06 µA |
| 70 nA | 0.07 µA |
| 80 nA | 0.08 µA |
| 90 nA | 0.09 µA |
| 100 nA | 0.1 µA |
| 200 nA | 0.2 µA |
| 500 nA | 0.5 µA |
| 800 nA | 0.8 µA |
| 1,000 nA | 1 µA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from nanoamperes to microamperes (nA to µA).
Example: Biosensor Sensitivity Analysis
Medical biosensors detect extremely small electrical signals, often in nanoamperes. Converting to microamperes helps researchers analyze sensitivity and performance.
If a biosensor measures 1,200 nA, how many microamperes is that? You need it to ensure accurate readings in diagnostic applications.
Solution
Since 1 microampere (µA) = 103 = 1,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 1,200 nA to microamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 1,200 nA electric current is equivalent to 1.2 µA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in nanoamperes: For this example, enter
1,200into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in microamperes:
1.2 µA.
FAQs
Is 1 nanoampere or 1 microampere larger?
A microampere (µA) is a thousand times bigger than a nanoampere (nA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 µA = 103 = 1,000 nA1 nA = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 µA
How to convert from nanoamperes to microamperes?
To convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to microamperes (µA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
nanoamperes (nA). - Multiply it by the value of a
nA-to-µAconversion factor:10-3or0.001. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
microamperes (µA).
Why do I need to convert nanoamperes to microamperes?
Converting nanoamperes to microamperes simplifies calculations and makes small currents easier to compare. It reduces decimal places, helping engineers and researchers work with manageable values.
This conversion is useful in semiconductor testing, biomedical sensing, and environmental monitoring. Many instruments and datasheets express low currents in microamperes for consistency.
You now know how to convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to microamperes (µA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
