# Nanometers to Meters Converter URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/conversion/nm-to-m/ Last updated: 2026-10-25 > Convert nanometres (nm) to metres (m): 1 nanometre = 1 × 10^-9 m, so multiply by 1 × 10^-9 or divide by 999,999,999.9999998808. Both fields are editable, so you can also type in metres and get nanometres back. ## Inputs - Nanometres (nm) ## Results - Metres ## Formula ``` 1 nm = 1 × 10^-9 m 1 m = 999,999,999.9999998808 nm m = nm × 1 × 10^-9 ``` ## Explanation A nanometre is 10⁻⁹ m. Wavelengths of light, chip process nodes and molecule sizes are given in nanometres; scientific formulas usually need metres. ### How to use the Nanometers to Meters Converter - Type the number of nanometres into the **Nanometres** field. Decimals such as 250 are fine. - Read the answer in **Metres** – it updates as you type, with no button to press. - To convert the other way, type into **Metres** and the nanometres are recalculated. - Press **Copy results** to copy both values with the page title, or **Copy link** to share this exact conversion. This page converts only nm ⇄ m. Need a different unit? Use the general length converter, where you can choose any “from” and “to” unit. ### How it works Both units measure length, so they are always in the same ratio: one nanometre equals 1 × 10^-9 metres. The calculator multiplies the number of nanometres you type by 1 × 10^-9 to give metres, and when you type into the metres field it divides by the same factor to give nanometres. Because the ratio never changes, doubling the nanometres always doubles the metres. Results are calculated at full precision and rounded only for display (up to eight decimal places, with very large or small values shown in scientific notation). ### How to convert nanometres to metres - Write down the value in nanometres, for example **500 nm**. - Multiply by the conversion factor 1 × 10-9 (because 1 nanometre = 1 × 10-9 m). - 500 × 1 × 10-9 = **5 × 10-7 m**. - To go back from metres to nanometres, divide by 1 × 10-9 – or multiply by 999,999,999.9999998808. ### nm to m conversion table NanometresMetresMetresNanometres1 nm1 × 10-9 m1 m999,999,999.9999998808 nm10 nm1 × 10-8 m2 m2 × 109 nm100 nm1 × 10-7 m5 m5 × 109 nm400 nm4 × 10-7 m10 m1 × 1010 nm500 nm5 × 10-7 m20 m2 × 1010 nm700 nm7 × 10-7 m50 m5 × 1010 nm1,000 nm1 × 10-6 m100 m1 × 1011 nm1,000,000 nm0.001 m1,000 m1 × 1012 nm ### What is a nanometre? A nanometre is one billionth of a metre. Wavelengths of light (visible light is roughly 380–750 nm), semiconductor features and molecules are measured in nanometres. ### What is a metre? The metre is the SI base unit of length. Since 1983 it has been defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second, which ties it to a fundamental constant rather than a physical bar of metal. ### Common mistakes to avoid Mixing the international foot (0.3048 m) with the old u.s. survey foot, confusing nautical and statute miles, and writing decimal feet such as 5.5 ft as “5 ft 5 in” (it is 5 ft 6 in). ## Worked example Inputs — Nanometres: 500 nm. Results — **Metres = 0.0000005 m**. ## FAQ **How many metres is 500 nm?** 5 × 10⁻⁷ m. **How many nm in a µm?** 1,000. **How do I convert nanometres to metres?** Multiply the number of nanometres by 1 × 10^-9. For example, 500 nm × 1 × 10^-9 = 5 × 10^-7 m. **How do I convert metres back to nanometres?** Divide by 1 × 10^-9 (or multiply by 999,999,999.9999998808), or simply type the value into the metres field above. **What is 10 nm in metres?** 10 nm = 1 × 10^-8 m. **What is 100 nm in metres?** 100 nm = 1 × 10^-7 m. **Is this conversion exact?** Yes. The factor comes from the official definitions of both units (NIST and the SI), so the only difference you may see is rounding in the last displayed digit. **Can I convert to other units on this page?** This page converts only between nanometres and metres. To pick any length unit, use the general length converter linked under Related calculators. **What formula does the Nanometers to Meters Converter use?** 1 nm = 1 × 10^-9 m. ## Sources - [NIST Special Publication 811 – Guide for the Use of the International System of Units](https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811) - [NIST Handbook 44 Appendix C – General tables of units of measurement](https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/nist-handbook-44-current-edition)