Nanofarads and microfarads
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 microfarad (µF, often typed uF) is one millionth of a farad. Electrolytic capacitors, motor-run and start capacitors, and power supply filters are rated in µF.
Worked example
Convert 470 nF: 470 × 0.001 = 0.47, so 470 nanofarads is 0.47 microfarads. Likewise 100 nF = 0.1 µF.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 3 places to the left: 470 nF = 0.47 µF.
Going the other way
To convert microfarads to nanofarads, divide by 0.001 (or multiply by 1,000). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
µF = nF × 0.001
1 nF = 1 × 10^-9 F and 1 µF = 0.000001 F, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 0.001 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 microfarads are in a nanofarad?
1 nanofarad = 0.001 microfarads, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert nanofarads to microfarads?
Multiply by 0.001. For example, 100 nF × 0.001 = 0.1 µF.
What is 1,000 nF in microfarads?
1,000 nF = 1 µF. 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-uf/