Convert Nanometer to Attometer
Convert nanometers to attometers instantly. 1 nanometer = 1e+9 attometer — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Attometer to Nanometer converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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
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 to Attometer conversion formula
The relationship between nanometers and attometers:
To convert nanometers to attometers, multiply the value in nanometers by 1e+9. To reverse, multiply attometers by 1e-9.
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 Nanometer converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert nanometers to attometers
- Write down the value in nanometers (nm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e+9.
- The product is the equivalent value in attometers (am).
- To reverse, multiply the attometer value by 1e-9.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 nm to am:
1 × 1e+9 = 1e+9 am
Example 2 — Convert 100 nm to am:
100 × 1e+9 = 1e+11 am
Real-world example — Molecular dimensions
The diameter of small molecular structures (around 2 nanometers) is often converted into related sub-micron units when comparing measurements across different microscopy techniques or imaging modalities.
2 nm × 1e+9 = 2e+9 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 nanometers can be re-expressed in attometers for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.
800 nm × 1e+9 = 8e+11 am
Nanometer to Attometer conversion table
Standard reference values for converting nanometers to attometers:
| Nanometer [nm] | Attometer [am] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e+7 |
| 0.1 | 1e+8 |
| 1 | 1e+9 |
| 2 | 2e+9 |
| 3 | 3e+9 |
| 4 | 4e+9 |
| 5 | 5e+9 |
| 10 | 1e+10 |
| 20 | 2e+10 |
| 30 | 3e+10 |
| 40 | 4e+10 |
| 50 | 5e+10 |
| 100 | 1e+11 |
| 500 | 5e+11 |
| 1000 | 1e+12 |
Frequently asked questions
How many attometers is 1 nanometer?
How do I convert nanometers to attometers?
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How many attometers is 100 nanometers?
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Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 nm = 1e+9 am) 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.