Picofarads and nanofarads
A picofarad is 10⁻¹² farad. Radio-frequency circuits, crystal load capacitors and small ceramic capacitors are rated in pF.
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.
Worked example
Convert 4,700 pF: 4,700 × 0.001 = 4.7, so 4,700 picofarads is 4.7 nanofarads. Likewise 1,000 pF = 1 nF.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 3 places to the left: 4,700 pF = 4.7 nF.
Going the other way
To convert nanofarads to picofarads, divide by 0.001 (or multiply by 1,000). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
nF = pF × 0.001
1 pF = 1 × 10^-12 F and 1 nF = 1 × 10^-9 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 nanofarads are in a picofarad?
1 picofarad = 0.001 nanofarads, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert picofarads to nanofarads?
Multiply by 0.001. For example, 1,000 pF × 0.001 = 1 nF.
What is 10,000 pF in nanofarads?
10,000 pF = 10 nF. 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/pf-to-nf/