This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Farad, Picofarad, and Millifarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Picofarad (pF), and Millifarad (mF). 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 thousand millifarads (1,000 mF) 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 Millifarad (mF)?
A millifarad (mF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of a farad (0.001 F). It is commonly used in audio circuits, power filtering, and general-purpose electronics where moderate capacitance values are needed.
pF to mF 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 milli- prefix represents $10^{-3}$. To convert from picofarads to millifarads, divide the number of picofarads by $10^9$ (1,000,000,000):
C(mF) = C(pF) ÷ 1,000,000,000
Or remember the pF-to-mF conversion factor: 1 pF = 0.000000001 mF
pF to mF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Picofarads (pF) | Millifarads (mF) |
|---|---|
| 1 pF | 0.000000001 mF |
| 100 pF | 0.0000001 mF |
| 220 pF | 0.00000022 mF |
| 470 pF | 0.00000047 mF |
| 1,000 pF | 0.000001 mF |
| 1,100 pF | 0.0000011 mF |
| 1,200 pF | 0.0000012 mF |
| 1,300 pF | 0.0000013 mF |
| 1,500 pF | 0.0000015 mF |
| 1,600 pF | 0.0000016 mF |
| 1,800 pF | 0.0000018 mF |
| 2,000 pF | 0.000002 mF |
| 2,200 pF | 0.0000022 mF |
| 2,400 pF | 0.0000024 mF |
| 2,700 pF | 0.0000027 mF |
| 3,000 pF | 0.000003 mF |
| 3,300 pF | 0.0000033 mF |
| 3,600 pF | 0.0000036 mF |
| 3,900 pF | 0.0000039 mF |
| 4,300 pF | 0.0000043 mF |
| 4,700 pF | 0.0000047 mF |
| 5,100 pF | 0.0000051 mF |
| 5,600 pF | 0.0000056 mF |
| 6,200 pF | 0.0000062 mF |
| 6,800 pF | 0.0000068 mF |
| 7,500 pF | 0.0000075 mF |
| 8,200 pF | 0.0000082 mF |
| 9,100 pF | 0.0000091 mF |
| 10,000 pF | 0.00001 mF |
| 100,000 pF | 0.0001 mF |
| 1,000,000 pF | 0.001 mF |
| 1,000,000,000 pF | 1 mF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from picofarads to millifarads (pF to mF).
Example: Entering a single-unit parts library
You’re adding components to a parts library that stores capacitance in millifarads (mF) only. A small ceramic capacitor you measured is 1,000 pF, so you convert it before entry to keep the database consistent.
This keeps all records in one unit scale, avoids unit-mismatch errors in searches, and makes filters/sorts straightforward.
Solution
Since 1 millifarad (mF) = 109 pF = 1,000,000,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 1,000 pF to millifarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 1,000 pF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 0.000001 mF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in picofarads: For this example, enter 1,000 into the
Frombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in millifarads:
0.000001 mF.
FAQs
Is a picofarad or a millifarad larger?
A millifarad (mF) is a billion times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 mF = 109 = 1,000,000,000 pF1 pF = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 mF
How to convert from picofarads to millifarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in picofarads (pF).
- Divide it by 1,000,000,000.
- The result is the capacitance in millifarads (mF).
Why do I need to convert picofarads to millifarads?
Converting picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF) is important because different contexts in electronics use different unit scales, and keeping them consistent avoids errors in design, simulation, and documentation.
You now have a clear understanding of how to convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF). With our converter, you can perform these conversions instantly, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time in future calculations.
