Farad

Updated: 10/01/2023 by Computer Hope

A farad (symbol: F) is the basic measuring unit of capacitance named after Michael Faraday. The capacitance of a capacitor is one farad when one coulomb of charge changes the potential between the plates by one volt. When measuring microelectronics, microfarads (mF) or picofarads (pF) are used because a farad is so large.

Farad measurements and values

  • 1 millifarad (mF) = one thousandth (10-3) of a farad.
  • 1 microfarad (μF) = one millionth (10-6) of a farad.
  • 1 nanofarad (nF) = one billionth (10-9) of a farad.
  • 1 picofarad (pF) = one trillionth (10-12) of a farad.

Electronics terms, F, Faraday cage, Measurement, Power terms, SI