Length · Unit Converter

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.

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

Attometer

What is a 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.

Origin of the attometer

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).

Where it is used

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.

When and where it was developed

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.

Metric / SI

Nanometer

What is a 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.

Origin of the nanometer

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.

Where it is used

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.

When and where it was developed

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:

1 am = 1e-9 nm
1 nm = 1e+9 am

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

  1. Write down the value in attometers (am).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1e-9.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in nanometers (nm).
  4. 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]
0.011e-11
0.11e-10
11e-9
22e-9
33e-9
44e-9
55e-9
101e-8
202e-8
303e-8
404e-8
505e-8
1001e-7
5005e-7
10001e-6

Frequently asked questions

How many nanometers is 1 attometer?
1 attometer equals 1e-9 nanometer.
How do I convert attometers to nanometers?
Multiply the value in attometers by 1e-9 to get nanometers.
How do I convert nanometers back to attometers?
Multiply the value in nanometers by 1e+9, or use the Nanometer to Attometer converter.
How many nanometers is 100 attometers?
100 attometers equals 1e-7 nanometers, because 100 × 1e-9 = 1e-7.

Convert Attometer to other length units

Show all Attometer conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 am = 1e-9 nm) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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