This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) to milliamperes (mA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Nanoampere, and Milliampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Nanoampere (nA), and Milliampere (mA). 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 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.
nA to mA 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 milli- represents a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001).
So, to convert from nanoamps to milliamps, divide the number of nanoamps (I(nA)) by 1,000,000.
I(mA) = I(nA) ÷ 106 = I(nA) ÷ 1,000,000
Or remember the nA-to-mA conversion factor: 1 nA = 10-6 = 0.000001 mA
nA to mA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from nanoamperes (nA) to milliamperes (mA). 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) | Milliamperes (mA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 nA | 0.0000001 mA |
| 0.5 nA | 0.0000005 mA |
| 1 nA | 0.000001 mA |
| 2 nA | 0.000002 mA |
| 4 nA | 0.000004 mA |
| 5 nA | 0.000005 mA |
| 10 nA | 0.00001 mA |
| 20 nA | 0.00002 mA |
| 30 nA | 0.00003 mA |
| 40 nA | 0.00004 mA |
| 50 nA | 0.00005 mA |
| 60 nA | 0.00006 mA |
| 70 nA | 0.00007 mA |
| 80 nA | 0.00008 mA |
| 90 nA | 0.00009 mA |
| 100 nA | 0.0001 mA |
| 200 nA | 0.0002 mA |
| 500 nA | 0.0005 mA |
| 800 nA | 0.0008 mA |
| 1,000 nA | 0.001 mA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from nanoamperes to milliamperes (nA to mA).
Example: Space Instrument Radiation Detection
Space-based radiation detectors record extremely small currents from cosmic particles. Converting nanoampere readings to milliamperes allows researchers to compare detection thresholds.
If a radiation detector measures 3,600 nA, how many milliamperes is that? You need it to analyze radiation levels with precision.
Solution
Since 1 milliampere (mA) = 106 = 1,000,000 nanoamperes (nA), we can convert 3,600 nA to milliamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3,600 nA electric current is equivalent to 0.0036 mA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in nanoamperes: For this example, enter
3,600into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in milliamperes:
0.0036 mA.
FAQs
Is 1 nanoampere or 1 milliampere 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 nanoamperes to milliamperes?
To convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to milliamperes (mA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
nanoamperes (nA). - Multiply it by the value of a
nA-to-mAconversion factor:10-6or0.000001. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
milliamperes (mA).
Why do I need to convert nanoamperes to milliamperes?
Converting nanoamperes to milliamperes simplifies calculations when dealing with extremely small currents. It helps reduce decimal places, making values easier to compare and interpret.
This conversion is useful in semiconductor testing, biomedical sensing, and low-power electronics. Engineers and researchers often need milliamperes for power analysis and system integration.
You now know how to convert electric current from nanoamperes (nA) to milliamperes (mA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
