Length · Unit Converter

Convert Femtometer to Attometer

Convert femtometers to attometers instantly. 1 femtometer = 1000 attometer — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Attometer to Femtometer 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

Femtometer

What is a femtometer?

A femtometer is a metric unit of length equal to one quadrillionth of a meter (1×10⁻¹⁵ m). It is the standard unit for measuring sub-atomic dimensions, particularly the size of atomic nuclei. The femtometer is also known historically as the fermi.

Origin of the femtometer

The femtometer was defined using the SI prefix femto- (from Danish femten, meaning fifteen), adopted by the CGPM in 1964 to denote one quadrillionth. The synonymous name fermi was named after Italian physicist Enrico Fermi.

Where it is used

Femtometers are used to express the size of atomic nuclei (typically 1–10 fm in diameter), the range of strong nuclear forces, and characteristic dimensions in particle physics. The proton charge radius is approximately 0.84 fm.

When and where it was developed

SI prefix femto- adopted in 1964; the unit became standard in nuclear physics through the late 20th century. The name fermi (after Enrico Fermi) was used informally from the 1950s but officially superseded by femtometer.

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.

Femtometer to Attometer conversion formula

The relationship between femtometers and attometers:

1 fm = 1000 am
1 am = 0.001 fm

To convert femtometers to attometers, multiply the value in femtometers by 1000. To reverse, multiply attometers by 0.001.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert femtometers to attometers

  1. Write down the value in femtometers (fm).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1000.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in attometers (am).
  4. To reverse, multiply the attometer value by 0.001.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 fm to am:
1 × 1000 = 1000 am

Example 2 — Convert 100 fm to am:
100 × 1000 = 100000 am

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 femtometers can be re-expressed in attometers for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.

800 fm × 1000 = 800000 am

Real-world example — Molecular dimensions

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

2 fm × 1000 = 2000 am

Femtometer to Attometer conversion table

Standard reference values for converting femtometers to attometers:

Femtometer [fm]Attometer [am]
0.0110
0.1100
11000
22000
33000
44000
55000
1010000
2020000
3030000
4040000
5050000
100100000
500500000
10001000000

Frequently asked questions

How many attometers is 1 femtometer?
1 femtometer equals 1000 attometer.
How do I convert femtometers to attometers?
Multiply the value in femtometers by 1000 to get attometers.
How do I convert attometers back to femtometers?
Multiply the value in attometers by 0.001, or use the Attometer to Femtometer converter.
How many attometers is 100 femtometers?
100 femtometers equals 100000 attometers, because 100 × 1000 = 100000.

Convert Femtometer to other length units

Show all Femtometer conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 fm = 1000 am) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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