Length · Unit Converter

Convert Square Nanometer to Are

Convert square nanometers to ares instantly. 1 square nanometer = 1e-20 are — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Are to Square Nanometer converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Metric / SI

Square Nanometer

What is a square nanometer?

A square nanometer is a metric unit of area equal to 10⁻¹⁸ m² (1 nm × 1 nm). It is the standard unit in nanotechnology and surface science for expressing the area of nanoscale structures.

Origin of the square nanometer

Derived by squaring the nanometer (10⁻⁹ m). The nano- prefix comes from the Greek 'nanos' (dwarf).

Where it is used

Square nanometers are used to express the surface area of nanoparticles, the footprint of single molecules adsorbed on surfaces, and the active area of nanoscale electronic devices.

When and where it was developed

Nanometer adopted into SI in 1960; widespread use in nanotechnology grew through the 1990s and 2000s.

Metric / SI

Are

What is a are?

An are is a metric unit of area equal to 100 square meters. It is used in some European countries for land measurement, especially for smaller plots like vineyards and gardens.

Origin of the are

Introduced as part of the French metric system in 1795. The name comes from the Latin 'area' meaning surface or open ground.

Where it is used

Ares are still used in some European countries (especially Switzerland and France) for small-plot land measurement. In Switzerland, an are is a common unit for vineyard size. Most modern contexts prefer square meters or hectares.

When and where it was developed

Defined in 1795 in France as part of the original metric system.

Square Nanometer to Are conversion formula

The relationship between square nanometers and ares:

1 nm² = 1e-20 a
1 a = 1e+20 nm²

To convert square nanometers to ares, multiply the value in square nanometers by 1e-20. To reverse, multiply ares by 1e+20.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in ares updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Are to Square Nanometer converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert square nanometers to ares

  1. Write down the value in square nanometers (nm²).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1e-20.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in ares (a).
  4. To reverse, multiply the are value by 1e+20.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 nm² to a:
1 × 1e-20 = 1e-20 a

Example 2 — Convert 100 nm² to a:
100 × 1e-20 = 1e-18 a

Real-world example — Molecular dimensions

The diameter of small molecular structures (around 2 square nanometers) is often converted into related sub-micron units when comparing measurements across different microscopy techniques or imaging modalities.

2 nm² × 1e-20 = 2e-20 a

Real-world example — Wavelengths across the spectrum

Optical and atomic-scale phenomena are routinely cross-converted between sub-micron units. A photon of wavelength 800 square nanometers can be re-expressed in ares for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.

800 nm² × 1e-20 = 8e-18 a

Square Nanometer to Are conversion table

Standard reference values for converting square nanometers to ares:

Square Nanometer [nm²]Are [a]
0.011e-22
0.11e-21
11e-20
22e-20
33e-20
44e-20
55e-20
101e-19
202e-19
303e-19
404e-19
505e-19
1001e-18
5005e-18
10001e-17

Frequently asked questions

How many ares is 1 square nanometer?
1 square nanometer equals 1e-20 are.
How do I convert square nanometers to ares?
Multiply the value in square nanometers by 1e-20 to get ares.
How do I convert ares back to square nanometers?
Multiply the value in ares by 1e+20, or use the Are to Square Nanometer converter.
How many ares is 100 square nanometers?
100 square nanometers equals 1e-18 ares, because 100 × 1e-20 = 1e-18.

Convert Square Nanometer to other area units

Show all Square Nanometer conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 nm² = 1e-20 a) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.