Convert Attometer to Nanometer
Convert attometers to nanometers instantly. 1 attometer = 1e-9 nanometer — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Nanometer to Attometer converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Attometer
An attometer is a metric unit of length equal to one quintillionth of a meter (1×10⁻¹⁸ m). It is among the smallest length units in the SI system and is used almost exclusively in particle physics and theoretical work involving sub-nuclear dimensions.
The attometer was defined using the SI prefix atto- (from Danish atten, meaning eighteen), adopted by the Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures (CGPM) in 1964 to denote one quintillionth (10⁻¹⁸).
Attometers appear in particle physics literature when describing distances comparable to or smaller than nuclear dimensions, including the range of weak nuclear interactions and theoretical Planck-scale ratios. They are rarely encountered outside specialised scientific work.
SI prefix atto- adopted in 1964; the attometer became the standard unit for sub-femtometer measurements in high-energy physics from the late 20th century onward.
Nanometer
A nanometer is a metric unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter (1×10⁻⁹ m). It is the standard unit for measuring atomic and molecular dimensions and is widely used in physics, chemistry, and electronics.
Defined using the SI prefix nano- (from Greek nanos, "dwarf") to denote one-billionth, adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 1960.
Nanometers are used to measure wavelengths of visible light (400–700 nm), semiconductor transistor sizes (currently 3–5 nm process nodes), DNA double helix width (2 nm), and atomic radii. The 2019 SI redefinition fixed the meter to the speed of light, making nanometer definitions exact to atomic precision.
SI prefix nano- adopted by the CGPM in 1960; nanometer became the standard unit for nanotechnology and optical wavelengths during the late 20th century.
Attometer to Nanometer conversion formula
The relationship between attometers and nanometers:
To convert attometers to nanometers, multiply the value in attometers by 1e-9. To reverse, multiply nanometers by 1e+9.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in nanometers updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Nanometer to Attometer converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert attometers to nanometers
- Write down the value in attometers (am).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e-9.
- The product is the equivalent value in nanometers (nm).
- To reverse, multiply the nanometer value by 1e+9.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 am to nm:
1 × 1e-9 = 1e-9 nm
Example 2 — Convert 100 am to nm:
100 × 1e-9 = 1e-7 nm
Real-world example — Molecular dimensions
The diameter of small molecular structures (around 2 attometers) is often converted into related sub-micron units when comparing measurements across different microscopy techniques or imaging modalities.
2 am × 1e-9 = 2e-9 nm
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 attometers can be re-expressed in nanometers for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.
800 am × 1e-9 = 8e-7 nm
Attometer to Nanometer conversion table
Standard reference values for converting attometers to nanometers:
| Attometer [am] | Nanometer [nm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-11 |
| 0.1 | 1e-10 |
| 1 | 1e-9 |
| 2 | 2e-9 |
| 3 | 3e-9 |
| 4 | 4e-9 |
| 5 | 5e-9 |
| 10 | 1e-8 |
| 20 | 2e-8 |
| 30 | 3e-8 |
| 40 | 4e-8 |
| 50 | 5e-8 |
| 100 | 1e-7 |
| 500 | 5e-7 |
| 1000 | 1e-6 |
Frequently asked questions
How many nanometers is 1 attometer?
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How many nanometers is 100 attometers?
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Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 am = 1e-9 nm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.