Convert Nanokelvin to Microkelvin
Convert nanokelvins to microkelvins instantly. 1 nK = 0.001 µK — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a reference-temperature table and worked examples. Also check the Microkelvin to Nanokelvin converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Nanokelvin
One nanokelvin (nK) is one billionth of a kelvin (10⁻⁹ K) above absolute zero.
Formed with the SI prefix 'nano-' (from Greek 'nanos', dwarf) applied to the kelvin base unit.
The realm of Bose–Einstein condensates: the first condensate was created at about 170 nK in 1995, among the coldest temperatures ever achieved anywhere in the universe.
The nano- prefix was adopted by the 11th CGPM in 1960 at the launch of the International System of Units.
Microkelvin
One microkelvin (µK) is one millionth of a kelvin (10⁻⁶ K) above absolute zero.
Formed with the SI prefix 'micro-' (from Greek 'mikros', small) applied to the kelvin base unit.
Ultracold atomic physics — laser-cooled atom clouds and the atomic-fountain clocks that keep world time operate at microkelvin temperatures.
The micro- prefix entered metric usage with the 1873 British Association system and was formally adopted into the SI in 1960.
Nanokelvin to Microkelvin conversion formula
The exact relationship between nanokelvins and microkelvins:
To convert nanokelvins to microkelvins, multiply the value in nanokelvins by 1/1000. To reverse, multiply the value in microkelvins by 1000.
Both units count upward from absolute zero, so 0 nK = 0 µK and the relationship is a pure ratio.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in microkelvins updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Microkelvin to Nanokelvin converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert nanokelvins to microkelvins
- Write down the temperature in nanokelvins (nK).
- Multiply the value in nanokelvins by 1/1000.
- The result is the same temperature expressed in microkelvins (µK).
- To reverse, multiply the value in microkelvins by 1000 — or open the Microkelvin to Nanokelvin converter.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 nK to µK:
1 × 1/1000 = 0.001 µK
Example 2 — Convert 100 nK to µK:
100 × 1/1000 = 0.1 µK
Nanokelvin to Microkelvin conversion table
Physically meaningful reference temperatures, from absolute zero to the surface of the Sun, converted from nanokelvins to microkelvins:
| Nanokelvin [nK] | Microkelvin [µK] | Reference point |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | Absolute zero |
| 2.3315e+11 | 2.3315e+8 | Where Celsius and Fahrenheit coincide (−40°) |
| 2.553722e+11 | 2.553722e+8 | Zero Fahrenheit (0 °F) |
| 2.7315e+11 | 2.7315e+8 | Water freezes (0 °C / 32 °F) |
| 2.7316e+11 | 2.7316e+8 | Triple point of water |
| 2.8315e+11 | 2.8315e+8 | Cool day (10 °C / 50 °F) |
| 2.9315e+11 | 2.9315e+8 | Room temperature (20 °C / 68 °F) |
| 2.9815e+11 | 2.9815e+8 | Standard laboratory temperature (25 °C) |
| 3.0315e+11 | 3.0315e+8 | Hot day (30 °C / 86 °F) |
| 3.1015e+11 | 3.1015e+8 | Human body temperature (37 °C / 98.6 °F) |
| 3.1315e+11 | 3.1315e+8 | Heat-wave day (40 °C / 104 °F) |
| 3.2315e+11 | 3.2315e+8 | Hot tap water (50 °C / 122 °F) |
| 3.7315e+11 | 3.7315e+8 | Water boils (100 °C / 212 °F) |
| 4.5315e+11 | 4.5315e+8 | Moderate baking oven (180 °C / 356 °F) |
| 5.778e+12 | 5.778e+9 | Surface of the Sun (≈5,505 °C) |
Frequently asked questions
How many microkelvins is 1 nanokelvin?
How do I convert nanokelvins to microkelvins?
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Sources & references
Conversion relationship (1 nK = 0.001 µK) 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.
- BIPM — International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)
The internationally agreed practical temperature scale, defining fixed points (including the triple point of water at 273.16 K) and interpolation instruments used by national metrology institutes for thermometer calibration worldwide.
- CODATA Internationally Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants
Committee on Data of the International Science Council; authoritative source for the masses of fundamental particles (electron, proton, neutron) and the atomic mass constant.