Convert between different units quickly and accurately in a modern way
Choose a Measurement
Select a measurement and convert between different units
Convert Length from Nanometer to Micrometer (nm to μm)
Multiple conversions
Multiple conversions
On This Page
Nanometer to Micrometer Conversion Formula
To convert from Nanometer (nm) to Micrometer (μm), use the following formula:
Example
Let's convert 5 Nanometer (nm) to Micrometer (μm).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Nanometer (nm) is equal to Micrometer (μm).
What is a Nanometer (nm)?
A nanometer (nm) is a tiny unit of measurement in the metric system.
To give you an idea of its scale, one nanometer is equal to one-billionth of a meter (10⁻⁹ m). The plural form is nanometers.
How Small Is a Nanometer?
A nanometer is so small that it's challenging to visualize. To put it in perspective:
A single strand of human hair is enormous in comparison, measuring approximately 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers in diameter.
Similarly, a standard sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.
This comparison highlights the incredible nanometer scale at which modern science operates.
What Are Nanometers Used For?
The nanometer is central to nanotechnology, which works with matter at the atomic and molecular scale.
Modern electronics are a good example: transistors on computer chips are measured in nanometers.
A smaller process node (for example, a 5 nm chip) enables manufacturers to pack more transistors into the same area, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient devices, such as smartphones and laptops.
Where Does the Word "Nanometer" Come From?
The prefix "nano" originates from the ancient Greek word "νάνος" (nános), which means "dwarf."
This origin perfectly captures the essence of the nanometer's tiny size. It's a fitting name for a unit used to measure things far too small for the human eye to see.
What is a Micrometer (μm)?
A micrometer (μm), commonly referred to as a micron, is a unit of length in the metric system.
It is extremely small, equal to one millionth of a meter (10⁻⁶ m).
Where Are Micrometers Used?
The micrometer may be tiny, but it's indispensable wherever extreme precision is required. Here are some examples of how it's used across different industries:
-
Electronics manufacturing: Parts like transistors, traces, and other microchip features are measured in micrometers. Modern CPUs and memory chips depend on manufacturing at these microscopic scales.
-
Aerospace engineering: Components are machined to micrometer tolerances, ensuring they fit and perform reliably under extreme stress and temperature conditions.
-
Medical devices: Stents, catheters, and many surgical tools must be produced with micrometer-level accuracy to ensure patient safety and proper function.
-
Textiles: Fiber diameters—such as wool, silk, and synthetic fibers—are measured in micrometers to assess softness, strength, and the best uses for each material.
Small unit, significant impact: micrometer-level precision underpins quality, safety, and performance across many fields.
How Small Is a Micron? A Size Comparison
It can be hard to grasp just how small a micrometer is.
To put this micrometer size comparison into perspective, consider these examples:
- The average human hair is about 50 to 100 micrometers thick.
- A single red blood cell is typically 7 to 8 micrometers wide.
- A particle of baker's yeast is about 5 micrometers across.
These comparisons highlight the incredible microscopic scale the micrometer represents, far smaller than anything the naked eye can perceive.
Is a Micron the Same as a Micrometer?
Yes, they are the same.
The official name for this unit in the International System of Units (SI) is the micrometer; however, it is often still referred to by its older name, the micron.
The term "micron" was officially retired in 1967 to standardize terminology and prevent confusion. Nonetheless, it remains commonly used in various industries and scientific contexts due to habit.
Therefore, when you encounter a measurement in microns, it is equivalent to a micrometer (1×10⁻⁶ meters).
What is the metric system?
Nanometer to Micrometer Conversion Table
Here are some quick reference conversions from Nanometer (nm) to Micrometer (μm):
| Nanometers | Micrometers |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 nm | μm |
| 0.001 nm | μm |
| 0.1 nm | μm |
| 1 nm | μm |
| 2 nm | μm |
| 3 nm | μm |
| 4 nm | μm |
| 5 nm | μm |
| 6 nm | μm |
| 7 nm | μm |
| 8 nm | μm |
| 9 nm | μm |
| 10 nm | μm |
| 20 nm | μm |
| 30 nm | μm |
| 40 nm | μm |
| 50 nm | μm |
| 100 nm | μm |
| 1000 nm | μm |
| 10000 nm | μm |
List some Length Converters:
For all Length converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.