Length · Unit Converter

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.

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

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.

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.

Nanometer to Attometer conversion formula

The relationship between nanometers and attometers:

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

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

  1. Write down the value in nanometers (nm).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1e+9.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in attometers (am).
  4. 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]
0.011e+7
0.11e+8
11e+9
22e+9
33e+9
44e+9
55e+9
101e+10
202e+10
303e+10
404e+10
505e+10
1001e+11
5005e+11
10001e+12

Frequently asked questions

How many attometers is 1 nanometer?
1 nanometer equals 1e+9 attometer.
How do I convert nanometers to attometers?
Multiply the value in nanometers by 1e+9 to get attometers.
How do I convert attometers back to nanometers?
Multiply the value in attometers by 1e-9, or use the Attometer to Nanometer converter.
How many attometers is 100 nanometers?
100 nanometers equals 1e+11 attometers, because 100 × 1e+9 = 1e+11.

Convert Nanometer to other length units

Show all Nanometer conversions

Sources & references

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

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