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
| Nanometres | Metres | Metres | Nanometres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 nm | 1 × 10-9 m | 1 m | 999,999,999.9999998808 nm |
| 10 nm | 1 × 10-8 m | 2 m | 2 × 109 nm |
| 100 nm | 1 × 10-7 m | 5 m | 5 × 109 nm |
| 400 nm | 4 × 10-7 m | 10 m | 1 × 1010 nm |
| 500 nm | 5 × 10-7 m | 20 m | 2 × 1010 nm |
| 700 nm | 7 × 10-7 m | 50 m | 5 × 1010 nm |
| 1,000 nm | 1 × 10-6 m | 100 m | 1 × 1011 nm |
| 1,000,000 nm | 0.001 m | 1,000 m | 1 × 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).
Formula
1 nm = 1 × 10^-9 m1 m = 999,999,999.9999998808 nmm = nm × 1 × 10^-9Worked example
Inputs — Nanometres: 500 nm.
Results — Metres = 0.0000005 m.
Frequently asked questions
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.