Nanoparticles vs. microspheres
Translate the units into useful terminology.
Unit control
Convert nm, µm and mm without shifting orders of magnitude.
Reference chart
Common silica particle size conversions
| Nanometers | Micrometers | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 20 nm | 0.020 µm | 0.000020 mm |
| 50 nm | 0.050 µm | 0.000050 mm |
| 100 nm | 0.100 µm | 0.000100 mm |
| 200 nm | 0.200 µm | 0.000200 mm |
| 250 nm | 0.250 µm | 0.000250 mm |
| 500 nm | 0.500 µm | 0.000500 mm |
| 1,000 nm | 1.000 µm | 0.001000 mm |
| 2,500 nm | 2.500 µm | 0.002500 mm |
Order-control checklist
Prevent unit errors in technical inquiries.
- Write the numeric value and unit together every time
- Use µm or “micrometer,” not an ambiguous lowercase u without context
- Confirm whether a tool specification is in nm or µm
- Do not translate a commercial family label into a size
- Repeat the converted value in the quotation and purchase order
- Match certificate units before importing data into software
Questions engineers ask
Frequently asked questions
How many nanometers are in one micrometer?
1 micrometer equals 1,000 nanometers.
Is 0.1 µm the same as 100 nm?
Yes.
Is 1000 µm equal to 1 mm?
Yes.
Continue the research
Related technical guidance
20–200 nm family
Review the sub-200 nm pathway.
250–1000 nm family
Review the larger microsphere pathway.
Applied Physics technical pathway
Need a particle specification reviewed?
Send the target size, medium, concentration, application, certificate requirements and shipping destination. Applied Physics can evaluate the appropriate silica family or custom pathway.