This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to farads (F). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Picofarad and Farad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Picofarad (pF) and Farad (F). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
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).
Picofarads are commonly used in RF circuits, oscillators, and high‑speed digital designs where capacitances are very small.
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 trillion picofarads (1,000,000,000,000 pF or 1012 pF).
Farads are typically used in high-capacity applications such as supercapacitors or energy storage systems.
pF to F 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 pico- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10-12 (0.000000000001). So, to convert from picofarads to farads, divide the number of picofarads (C(pF)) by 1,000,000,000,000.
C(F) = C(pF) × 10-12 = C(pF) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000
Or remember the pF-to-F conversion factor: 1 pF = 0.000000000001 F
pF to F conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to farads (F). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Picofarads (pF) | Farads (F) |
|---|---|
| 1 pF | 0.000000000001 F |
| 100 pF | 0.0000000001 F |
| 220 pF | 0.00000000022 F |
| 470 pF | 0.00000000047 F |
| 1,000 pF | 0.000000001 F |
| 1,100 pF | 0.0000000011 F |
| 1,200 pF | 0.0000000012 F |
| 1,300 pF | 0.0000000013 F |
| 1,500 pF | 0.0000000015 F |
| 1,600 pF | 0.0000000016 F |
| 1,800 pF | 0.0000000018 F |
| 2,000 pF | 0.000000002 F |
| 2,200 pF | 0.0000000022 F |
| 2,400 pF | 0.0000000024 F |
| 2,700 pF | 0.0000000027 F |
| 3,000 pF | 0.000000003 F |
| 3,300 pF | 0.0000000033 F |
| 3,600 pF | 0.0000000036 F |
| 3,900 pF | 0.0000000039 F |
| 4,300 pF | 0.0000000043 F |
| 4,700 pF | 0.0000000047 F |
| 5,100 pF | 0.0000000051 F |
| 5,600 pF | 0.0000000056 F |
| 6,200 pF | 0.0000000062 F |
| 6,800 pF | 0.0000000068 F |
| 7,500 pF | 0.0000000075 F |
| 8,200 pF | 0.0000000082 F |
| 9,100 pF | 0.0000000091 F |
| 10,000 pF | 0.00000001 F |
| 100,000 pF | 0.0000001 F |
| 1,000,000 pF | 0.000001 F |
| 1,000,000,000 pF | 0.001 F |
| 1,000,000,000,000 pF | 1 F |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from picofarads to farads (pF to F).
Example: RF Capacitor in Simulation
Suppose you're simulating an RF filter and the schematic specifies a capacitor of 8,200 pF. Your simulation tool requires the value in farads to calculate impedance and frequency response.
Solution
Since 1 farad (F) = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 8,200 pF to farads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 8,200 pF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 0.0000000082 F.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in picofarads: For this example, enter
8,200into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in farads:
0.0000000082 For8.2×10-9or8.2e-9.
FAQs
Is a picofarad or a farad larger?
A farad (F) is a trillion times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 F = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 pF1 pF = 10-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 F
How to convert from picofarads to farads?
To convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to farads (F), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in picofarads (pF).
- Divide it by 1,000,000,000,000.
- The result is the capacitance in farads (F).
Why do I need to convert picofarads to farads?
Most simulation tools, energy calculations, and SI-based formulas require capacitance in farads. Converting ensures compatibility with datasheets, supplier listings, and simulation units without awkward decimals.
You now know how to convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to farads (F). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electrical capacitance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
