Angstrom to nanometer calculator
Enter a value in either field to convert instantly.
How it works?
This calculator bridges the gap between atomic-scale measurements (Angstroms) and optical-scale measurements (Nanometers). The relationship is a simple decimal shift, as both are metric subdivisions of the meter.
Units Defined:
- Å (Angstrom): \(10^{-10}\) meters. Commonly used in crystallography and atomic physics to measure bond lengths.
- nm (Nanometer): \(10^{-9}\) meters. The standard unit for describing light wavelengths in photonics and spectroscopy.
Why convert between Angstroms and Nanometers?
The Angstrom (Å) and the Nanometer (nm) are the two primary languages of the nanoscale world. While Nanometers are the official SI standard for nanotechnology and biology, Angstroms remain the preferred unit in crystallography, atomic physics, and spectroscopy because they map perfectly to the size of atoms (approx. 1 Å).
Quick Reference Table
Common length scales in physics, biology, and semiconductor manufacturing.
| Scale / Object | Angstroms (Å) | Nanometers (nm) |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Atom Diameter | ~1.0 Å | 0.1 nm |
| Water Molecule (H₂O) | ~2.8 Å | 0.28 nm |
| DNA Helix Width | 20 Å | 2.0 nm |
| Conversion Factor | 10 Å | 1.0 nm |
| Extreme UV (EUV) Light | 135 Å | 13.5 nm |
| Transistor Gate (Modern CPU) | ~20-50 Å | 2-5 nm |
| Visible Light (Green) | 5,320 Å | 532 nm |
| Red Blood Cell | 70,000 Å | 7,000 nm |
Why this conversion is indispensable
1. Semiconductor Manufacturing
Modern processors are defined by nodes like "3nm" or "2nm." However, the actual atomic layers (like gate oxides) are often just a few Angstroms thick. Accurate conversion is critical when moving between marketing specs (nm) and fabrication recipes (Å).
2. X-Ray Crystallography
When determining the 3D structure of proteins or crystals, resolution is always cited in Angstroms (e.g., "1.5 Å resolution"). This precision tells you if you can distinguish individual atoms, which is awkward to express as "0.15 nm."
3. Spectroscopy & Lasers
Older literature and many spectral databases list wavelengths in Angstroms (e.g., the strong Argon laser line at 4880 Å). Modern laser safety and specifications use Nanometers (488 nm). You need to be fluent in both.
4. Structural Biology
Biologists work in nanometers for cell organelles but switch to Angstroms when looking at molecular bonds. The transition happens constantly when zooming from a cell (μm) to a ribosome (nm) to a peptide bond (Å).