Length · Unit Converter

Convert Micron to Inch

Convert microns to inches instantly. 1 micron = 3.937008e-5 inch — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Inch to Micron 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

Micron

What is a micron?

A micron is a deprecated synonym for the micrometer (1×10⁻⁶ m). Although officially obsolete since 1967, the term remains in widespread informal use in microscopy, biology, materials science, and industrial filtration.

Origin of the micron

The term micron was coined in 1879 by the BIPM as a unit name for one millionth of a meter. It was officially deprecated in 1967 in favor of the SI-compliant name micrometer to avoid confusion with the device (also called a micrometer) used for precise mechanical measurement.

Where it is used

Microns are used informally in filtration ratings (e.g., a 5-micron water filter), industrial coatings, microscopy specifications, and pharmaceutical particle-size descriptions. The conversion to micrometers is exact: 1 micron = 1 µm = 1×10⁻⁶ m.

When and where it was developed

Introduced in 1879, deprecated by the BIPM in 1967, but retained in informal industrial and scientific usage well into the 21st century.

Imperial / US Customary

Inch

What is a inch?

An inch is an Imperial and US customary unit of length defined since 1959 as exactly 25.4 millimeters (0.0254 meters). It is still the standard small unit of length in the United States, the United Kingdom (informally), and a few other countries.

Origin of the inch

The inch derives from the Roman uncia (one-twelfth of a foot) and survived through Anglo-Saxon and medieval English measurement systems. Various definitions persisted regionally until the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement standardized the inch globally as exactly 25.4 mm.

Where it is used

Inches are used in the US and UK for body height, screen sizes (TVs, monitors, phones), tire sizes, plumbing, lumber, paper sizes (US Letter is 8.5 × 11 in), and most consumer product specifications in the United States.

When and where it was developed

Anglo-Saxon origin (predating 1066); standardized to 25.4 mm exactly by the International Yard and Pound Agreement of 1959, signed by the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Micron to Inch conversion formula

The relationship between microns and inches:

1 micron = 3.937008e-5 in
1 in = 25400 micron

To convert microns to inches, multiply the value in microns by 3.937008e-5. To reverse, multiply inches by 25400.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert microns to inches

  1. Write down the value in microns (micron).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 3.937008e-5.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in inches (in).
  4. To reverse, multiply the inch value by 25400.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 micron to in:
1 × 3.937008e-5 = 3.937008e-5 in

Example 2 — Convert 100 micron to in:
100 × 3.937008e-5 = 0.0039370079 in

Real-world example — Packaging gauge

A 4-micron plastic bag thickness is a common spec for grocery and freezer bags. Converting from microns to inches is what packaging buyers do whenever they bridge US and metric supplier quotes.

4 micron × 3.937008e-5 = 0.0001574803 in

Real-world example — Plastic film and laminate thickness

A 500-micron sheet is a typical spec for ID-card laminates and film overlays. Converting to inches aligns the value with the unit most CAD systems and material datasheets prefer.

500 micron × 3.937008e-5 = 0.0196850394 in

Micron to Inch conversion table

Standard reference values for converting microns to inches:

Micron [micron]Inch [in]
0.013.937008e-7
0.13.937008e-6
13.937008e-5
27.874016e-5
30.0001181102
40.0001574803
50.0001968504
100.0003937008
200.0007874016
300.0011811024
400.0015748031
500.0019685039
1000.0039370079
5000.0196850394
10000.0393700787

Frequently asked questions

How many inches is 1 micron?
1 micron equals 3.937008e-5 inch.
How do I convert microns to inches?
Multiply the value in microns by 3.937008e-5 to get inches.
How do I convert inches back to microns?
Multiply the value in inches by 25400, or use the Inch to Micron converter.
How many inches is 100 microns?
100 microns equals 0.0039370079 inches, because 100 × 3.937008e-5 = 0.0039370079.

Convert Micron to other length units

Show all Micron conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 micron = 3.937008e-5 in) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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