Milliampere (mA) Conversion Tool
Convert Milliamperes to Other Units
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Convert Other Units to Milliamperes
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Related Electric Current Units
Milliampere Conversion Table
This table shows common conversions from milliamperes (mA) to other electric current units.
| From Milliampere (mA) | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mA | Ampere (A) | 0.001 |
| 1 mA | Microampere (µA) | 1000 |
| 1 mA | Biot (Bi) | 0.0001 |
| 1 mA | Abampere | 0.0001 |
What is a Milliampere?
A milliampere (symbol: mA) is a sub-unit of electric current equal to one-thousandth (1/1000) of an ampere. The ampere is the SI base unit of electric current. The milliampere is commonly used in electronics and electrical engineering to measure smaller currents, such as those found in circuits, sensors, and portable devices.
For example, a typical LED might draw 20 mA of current, and a smartphone charger might supply current in the range of 500 mA to 2000 mA (or 2 A).
What are Milliamperes Used For?
Milliamperes are used to quantify the flow of electric charge in various applications where the current is too small to be conveniently measured in amperes.
Consumer Electronics
Measuring the current consumption of small devices like remote controls, digital watches, and calculators.
Medical Devices
Used in devices like pacemakers and nerve stimulators where precise, low-level currents are required.
Semiconductors & Components
Characterizing the operating current of transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits (ICs).
Instrumentation
In sensors and measurement instruments, the output signal is often a current in the milliampere range (e.g., 4-20 mA current loops).
History of the Ampere
The unit is named after André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836), a French mathematician and physicist who was one of the founders of the science of classical electromagnetism. The ampere was originally defined as 1/10 of the CGS unit of current (now known as the abampere or biot). The modern definition of the ampere, adopted in 2019, is based on fixing the elementary charge 'e' to a specific value, which provides a more stable and fundamental basis for the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many milliamperes are in an ampere?
There are 1,000 milliamperes (mA) in 1 ampere (A). To convert from amperes to milliamperes, you multiply by 1,000. To convert from milliamperes to amperes, you divide by 1,000.
What does 'mA' stand for?
'mA' is the symbol for milliampere. The 'm' is the SI prefix for "milli," which means one-thousandth, and 'A' is the symbol for the base unit, ampere.
Is a higher mA rating better for a battery?
A higher milliampere-hour (mAh) rating on a battery indicates a greater capacity, meaning it can supply a certain current for a longer period. However, the required current (in mA) is determined by the device it's powering. Using a charger with a higher mA rating than the device requires is generally safe, as the device will only draw the current it needs.
How do I use this milliampere converter?
Simply enter the value you wish to convert in the input field, select the unit you are converting from (if different from milliamperes), and select the target unit. The result will be displayed instantly. Use the "Reset" button to clear the fields.