Inductance Unit Converter - Convert Henry, Millihenry, Microhenry & More
Inductance Converter
Quick Conversions
Top Inductance Units
Henry (H)
The SI derived unit of inductance
Millihenry (mH)
0.001 henries - common for medium inductance values
Microhenry (µH)
1×10⁻⁶ henries - used for small inductance values
Nanohenry (nH)
1×10⁻⁹ henries - used in high-frequency circuits
Picohenry (pH)
1×10⁻¹² henries - used for very small inductance values
Kilohenry (kH)
1,000 henries - used for large inductance values
All Inductance Units (A-Z)
Top Inductance Conversions
What is Inductance?
Inductance is the property of an electrical conductor that opposes changes in electric current flowing through it. When current flows through a conductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. If the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, inducing an electromotive force (EMF) that opposes the change in current. This phenomenon is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Lenz's law.
The SI unit of inductance is the henry (H), named after American scientist Joseph Henry. One henry is defined as the inductance of a closed loop that produces an electromotive force of one volt when the current changes at a rate of one ampere per second. Smaller units like millihenry (mH), microhenry (µH), and nanohenry (nH) are commonly used in electronic circuits, while larger units like kilohenry (kH) and megahenry (MH) are used for specialized applications.
Inductance is a fundamental property in electrical and electronic engineering, playing a critical role in transformers, inductors, motors, generators, and many other devices. Understanding and calculating inductance values is essential for designing and analyzing circuits, especially in power systems and high-frequency applications.
Common Use Cases
Electronics Design
Component selection and circuit analysis. For example, converting 100 µH to 0.1 mH for RF filter design or transformer calculations.
Power Systems
Transformer and motor design. For example, converting 5 H to 5,000 mH for inductor specifications in power supply circuits.
Telecommunications
RF circuit design and antenna matching. For example, converting 2.5 nH to 2,500 pH for high-frequency circuit components.
Research & Development
Experimental measurements and prototype development. For example, converting 0.1 kH to 100 H for specialized inductor testing.
Historical Evolution of Inductance Measurement
The concept of inductance was discovered in the 1830s by Michael Faraday, who found that a changing magnetic field could induce an electric current in a nearby conductor. Joseph Henry independently discovered the same principle around the same time. The unit of inductance was later named after Henry in recognition of his contributions to electromagnetism.
Early measurements of inductance were based on empirical methods and standard coils. With the development of the SI system, the henry was formally defined in terms of fundamental physical constants. Modern inductance measurement techniques use precision instruments like LCR meters and bridge circuits, enabling measurements from picohenries to henries with high accuracy.
The evolution of inductance units from empirical standards to precise SI definitions has enabled the development of increasingly complex electrical and electronic systems. Today's inductance converter tools handle these diverse units, supporting applications from microelectronics to power generation and transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard unit of inductance?
The henry (H) is the SI derived unit of inductance, named after American scientist Joseph Henry. One henry is defined as the inductance of a closed loop that produces an electromotive force of one volt when the current changes at a rate of one ampere per second. This makes it the foundation for all inductance measurements and conversions in electrical engineering and physics.
How do I convert between different inductance units?
Use standard metric prefixes: 1 H = 1,000 mH = 1,000,000 µH = 1,000,000,000 nH. Our inductance converter tool handles these conversions automatically with high precision, eliminating calculation errors and saving time for engineers, students, and electronics enthusiasts working with inductors and transformers.
What's the smallest unit of inductance commonly used?
The picohenry (pH) is often the smallest practical unit of inductance, equal to 1×10⁻¹² henries. It's commonly used in high-frequency circuit design, RF applications, and precision electronics where even tiny inductance values significantly affect circuit performance. For extremely precise measurements, nanohenry (nH) and microhenry (µH) are also frequently used.
Why are there so many units of inductance?
Different units serve different scales and applications in electrical engineering. Picohenries and nanohenries for high-frequency circuits, microhenries and millihenries for general electronics, and henries or kilohenries for power systems. This variety allows for convenient expression of measurements across all scales, from microelectronics to power generation, making our inductance converter tool essential for handling these diverse units.
How accurate are your inductance conversions?
Our inductance converter uses internationally recognized conversion factors and mathematical formulas for maximum accuracy. All calculations are performed with high-precision arithmetic to ensure reliable results for both simple everyday conversions and complex engineering measurements requiring extreme accuracy in circuit design and analysis.
Can I convert between any inductance units?
Yes, our comprehensive inductance converter supports conversions between all common units including henry, millihenry, microhenry, nanohenry, picohenry, kilohenry, and megahenry. Whether you need to convert 1 henry to millihenry or 1000 picohenry to nanohenry, our tool handles all standard inductance units used in electrical engineering.
What industries use inductance conversion most?
Inductance conversion is essential across numerous industries including electronics manufacturing (component specifications), telecommunications (RF circuit design), automotive (ignition systems), aerospace (avionics), power generation (transformers), and consumer electronics (smartphones, computers). Engineers and designers rely on accurate inductance conversions for circuit analysis, component selection, and system design.
Is your tool free to use?
Yes, our inductance converter is completely free to use with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your units, and get instant, accurate results. We believe accurate measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning electronics to professionals working on complex engineering projects.