Inductance Converter
Our free electrical & magnetic converter handles inductance conversions. See tables, ratios, and examples for quick reference.
Formula
Converted Value = Input x (From Unit Factor / To Unit Factor)
Inductance conversion uses the henry as the base SI unit. All other units relate to the henry through metric prefixes or CGS system conversion factors. The conversion multiplies the input by the source unit factor to get henries, then divides by the target unit factor to produce the result.
Worked Examples
Example 1: RF Inductor Conversion
Problem: An RF filter design calls for a 470 nH inductor. Express this in microhenries and millihenries.
Solution: 470 nH to uH: 470 / 1000 = 0.47 uH\n470 nH to mH: 470 / 1,000,000 = 0.00047 mH\nThis is a typical value for VHF/UHF filter circuits.
Result: 470 nH = 0.47 uH = 0.00047 mH
Example 2: Power Supply Choke
Problem: A power supply uses a 2.2 mH filter choke. Convert to henries and microhenries.
Solution: 2.2 mH to H: 2.2 x 10^-3 = 0.0022 H\n2.2 mH to uH: 2.2 x 1000 = 2200 uH\nThis choke smooths rectified AC in a linear power supply.
Result: 2.2 mH = 0.0022 H = 2200 uH
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inductance and what is a henry?
Inductance is the property of an electrical conductor that opposes changes in current flowing through it by generating an electromotive force (EMF). The henry (H) is the SI unit of inductance, named after American scientist Joseph Henry. One henry is defined as the inductance that produces one volt of EMF when the current changes at a rate of one ampere per second. It is equivalent to one weber per ampere or one volt-second per ampere.
What are typical inductance values in electronics?
Inductance values vary enormously across applications. Printed circuit board traces have parasitic inductances of a few nanohenries (nH). Surface-mount inductors for RF circuits range from 1 nH to 1000 uH. Audio crossover inductors typically range from 0.1 mH to 10 mH. Power supply filter chokes can be 1 mH to several henries. Large power transformers and reactors in electrical grids can have inductances of tens or hundreds of henries.
How does inductance relate to magnetic flux?
Inductance directly relates to magnetic flux through the equation L = N * Phi / I, where L is inductance in henries, N is the number of turns, Phi is the magnetic flux in webers, and I is the current in amperes. This means one henry equals one weber per ampere (Wb/A). A higher inductance means more magnetic flux is generated per unit of current, which is why inductors with more turns or magnetic cores have higher inductance values.
How do I calculate inductance of a solenoid?
The inductance of a solenoid is calculated using L = (u0 * ur * N^2 * A) / l, where u0 is the permeability of free space (4 pi x 10^-7 H/m), ur is the relative permeability of the core material, N is the number of turns, A is the cross-sectional area in square meters, and l is the length of the solenoid in meters. Adding a ferromagnetic core with high ur dramatically increases inductance compared to an air-core coil.
How accurate are the results from Inductance Converter?
All calculations use established mathematical formulas and are performed with high-precision arithmetic. Results are accurate to the precision shown. For critical decisions in finance, medicine, or engineering, always verify results with a qualified professional.
Is Inductance Converter free to use?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. All calculators on NovaCalculator are free to use without registration, subscription, or payment.