This article will show how to convert capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to nanofarads (nF). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Farad, Picofarad, and Nanofarad
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Farad (F), Picofarad (pF), and Nanofarad (nF). 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 billion nanofarads (1,000,000,000 nF) 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 (10-12 or 0.000000000001 F). It is commonly used in RF circuits, oscillators, and high‑speed digital designs where capacitances are very small.
What is a Nanofarad (nF)?
A nanofarad (nF) is a unit of electrical capacitance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a farad (10-9 or 0.000000001 F). It is widely used in electronics, especially for capacitors in filters, oscillators, and timing circuits.
pF to nF 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 nano- prefix represents 10-9. To convert from picofarads to nanofarads, divide the number of picofarads by 103 (1,000):
C(nF) = C(pF) ÷ 1,000
Or remember the pF-to-nF conversion factor: 1 pF = 0.001 nF
pF to nF conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical capacitance measurement units from picofarads (pF) to nanofarads (nF). It covers commonly available capacitor values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Picofarads (pF) | Nanofarads (nF) |
|---|---|
| 1 pF | 0.001 nF |
| 100 pF | 0.1 nF |
| 220 pF | 0.22 nF |
| 470 pF | 0.47 nF |
| 1,000 pF | 1 nF |
| 1,100 pF | 1.1 nF |
| 1,200 pF | 1.2 nF |
| 1,300 pF | 1.3 nF |
| 1,500 pF | 1.5 nF |
| 1,600 pF | 1.6 nF |
| 1,800 pF | 1.8 nF |
| 2,000 pF | 2 nF |
| 2,200 pF | 2.2 nF |
| 2,400 pF | 2.4 nF |
| 2,700 pF | 2.7 nF |
| 3,000 pF | 3 nF |
| 3,300 pF | 3.3 nF |
| 3,600 pF | 3.6 nF |
| 3,900 pF | 3.9 nF |
| 4,300 pF | 4.3 nF |
| 4,700 pF | 4.7 nF |
| 5,100 pF | 5.1 nF |
| 5,600 pF | 5.6 nF |
| 6,200 pF | 6.2 nF |
| 6,800 pF | 6.8 nF |
| 7,500 pF | 7.5 nF |
| 8,200 pF | 8.2 nF |
| 9,100 pF | 9.1 nF |
| 10,000 pF | 10 nF |
| 100,000 pF | 100 nF |
| 1,000,000 pF | 1,000 nF |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from picofarads to nanofarads (pF to nF).
Example: Capacitor in 555 Timer Circuit Design
In timing circuits built with the 555 timer circuit[3], capacitors are often specified in picofarads (pF) to set precise pulse widths or oscillation frequencies. Suppose you’re designing a monostable 555 timer circuit, and the schematic specifies a capacitor of 4,700 pF for the timing component.
However, your simulation software or design library requires the value in nanofarads (nF). You need to convert the value to ensure compatibility.
Solution
Since 1 nanofarad (nF) = 103 pF = 1,000 picofarads (pF), we can convert 4,700 pF to nanofarads by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 4,700 pF electrical capacitance is equivalent to 4.7 nF.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in picofarads: For this example, enter 4,700 into the
Frombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanofarads:
4.7 nF.
FAQs
Is a picofarad or a nanofarad larger?
A nanofarad (nF) is a thousand times bigger than a picofarad (pF). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 nF = 103 = 1,000 pF1 pF = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 nF
How to convert from picofarads to nanofarads?
To convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to nanofarads (nF), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the capacitance value in picofarads (pF).
- Divide it by
1,000. - The result is the capacitance in nanofarads (nF).
Why do I need to convert picofarads to nanofarads?
Manufacturers choose units based on typical application ranges. RF capacitors are usually specified in picofarads (pF) because they deal with very small capacitance values at high frequencies.
Timing and filter capacitors are often specified in nanofarads (nF) or microfarads (µF), since these applications require larger capacitance values for shaping signals or setting time constants.
You now have a clear understanding of how to convert electrical capacitance from picofarads (pF) to nanofarads (nF). With our converter, you can perform these conversions instantly, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time in future calculations.
