Nanofarads and picofarads
A nanofarad is one billionth of a farad, or 1,000 picofarads. Ceramic and film capacitors for filtering and timing are often specified in nF.
A picofarad is 10⁻¹² farad. Radio-frequency circuits, crystal load capacitors and small ceramic capacitors are rated in pF.
Worked example
Convert 10 nF: 10 × 1,000 = 10,000, so 10 nanofarads is 10,000 picofarads. Likewise 50 nF = 50,000 pF.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 3 places to the right: 10 nF = 10,000 pF.
Going the other way
To convert picofarads to nanofarads, divide by 1,000 (or multiply by 0.001). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
pF = nF × 1,000
1 nF = 1 × 10^-9 F and 1 pF = 1 × 10^-12 F, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 1,000 exactly. Results drop binary floating-point noise beyond 15 significant digits and display at the precision you choose (6 significant figures by default). Copy result copies the full value.
Frequently asked
How many picofarads are in a nanofarad?
1 nanofarad = 1,000 picofarads, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert nanofarads to picofarads?
Multiply by 1,000. For example, 50 nF × 1,000 = 50,000 pF.
What is 100 nF in picofarads?
100 nF = 100,000 pF. The table next to the converter lists more common values.
Is the result rounded?
Only on screen. The page computes with the exact definitions and removes floating-point noise past 15 significant digits; pick 3 to 12 significant figures, or use Copy result for the full value.
Sources
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure), 9th edition
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
- Wikipedia — Capacitance
Reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · test vectors fixtures/units/capacitance/nf-to-pf/