This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to microfarads (µF). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Farad, Picofarad, and Microfarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Picofarad (pF), and Microfarad (µF). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is a Farad?
A farad (1 F) is the SI base unit of electrical capacitance representing the capacity to store one coulomb (1 C) of electric charge when a potential difference of one volt (1 V) is applied.[1]
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, a farad (1 F) is equivalent to one million microfarads (1,000,000 µF) or one trillion picofarads (1,000,000,000,000 pF).
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). It is commonly used in RF circuits, oscillators, and high‑speed digital designs where capacitances are very small.
What is a Microfarad (µF)?
A microfarad (µF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a farad (0.000001 F). It is widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in audio circuits, filters, and timing applications.
pF to µF 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 represents 10-12, and the micro- prefix represents 10-6. To convert from picofarads to microfarads, divide the number of picofarads by 106 (1,000,000):
C(µF) = C(pF) ÷ 1,000,000
Or remember the pF-to-µF conversion factor: 1 pF = 0.000001 µF
pF to µF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to microfarads (µF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Picofarads (pF) | Microfarads (µF) |
|---|---|
| 1 pF | 0.000001 µF |
| 100 pF | 0.0001 µF |
| 220 pF | 0.00022 µF |
| 470 pF | 0.00047 µF |
| 1,000 pF | 0.001 µF |
| 1,100 pF | 0.0011 µF |
| 1,200 pF | 0.0012 µF |
| 1,300 pF | 0.0013 µF |
| 1,500 pF | 0.0015 µF |
| 1,600 pF | 0.0016 µF |
| 1,800 pF | 0.0018 µF |
| 2,000 pF | 0.002 µF |
| 2,200 pF | 0.0022 µF |
| 2,400 pF | 0.0024 µF |
| 2,700 pF | 0.0027 µF |
| 3,000 pF | 0.003 µF |
| 3,300 pF | 0.0033 µF |
| 3,600 pF | 0.0036 µF |
| 3,900 pF | 0.0039 µF |
| 4,300 pF | 0.0043 µF |
| 4,700 pF | 0.0047 µF |
| 5,100 pF | 0.0051 µF |
| 5,600 pF | 0.0056 µF |
| 6,200 pF | 0.0062 µF |
| 6,800 pF | 0.0068 µF |
| 7,500 pF | 0.0075 µF |
| 8,200 pF | 0.0082 µF |
| 9,100 pF | 0.0091 µF |
| 10,000 pF | 0.01 µF |
| 100,000 pF | 0.1 µF |
| 1,000,000 pF | 1 µF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from picofarads to microfarads (pF to µF).
Example: RF circuit
Suppose you’re working with a ceramic capacitor in an RF circuit. The datasheet specifies the capacitor value as 6,800 pF. However, your simulation software only accepts values in µF. To use the capacitor correctly in your design, you need to convert the datasheet value.
Solution
Since 1 microfarad (µF) = 106 pF = 1,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 6,800 pF to microfarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 6,800 pF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 0.0068 µF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in picofarads: For this example, enter 6,800 into the
Frombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in microfarads:
0.0068 µF.
FAQs
Is a picofarad or a microfarad larger?
A microfarad (µF) is a million times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 µF = 106 = 1,000,000 pF1 pF = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 µF
How to convert from picofarads to microfarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to microfarads (µF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in picofarads (pF).
- Divide it by
1,000,000. - The result is the capacitance in microfarads (µF).
Why do I need to convert picofarads to microfarads?
You often need to convert picofarads (pF) to microfarads (µF) because datasheets for small capacitors, especially in RF and filter circuits, list values in pF, while simulation tools, catalogs, or design libraries may expect µF.
Without conversion, you risk misinterpreting values by a factor of one million, which can cause serious design errors, so dividing pF by 1,000,000 ensures accuracy, consistency, and compatibility across your electronics projects.
You now have a clear understanding of how to convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to microfarads (µF). With our converter, you can perform these conversions instantly, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time in future calculations.
