Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Nanowatts to Picowatts Converter — nW to pW
Convert Nanowatt (nW) to Picowatt (pW) using the exact conversion factor (1 nanowatt = 1,000 picowatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Nanowatts to Picowatts converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Result = input x 1e-9 / 1e-12.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Nanowatts to Picowatts
Nanowatt and Picowatt both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Specifically: Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units, and picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Formula
picowatts = nanowatts × 1000
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 nanowatt equals 1e-9 base units, and 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct nanowatt-to-picowatt factor of 1000.
Simple example
1 nW × 1000 = 1,000 pW
1 nanowatt = 1,000 picowatts.
Real-world example
100 nW × 1000 = 100,000 pW
100 nanowatts = 100,000 picowatts.
Conversion table
| Nanowatt (nW) | Picowatt (pW) |
|---|---|
| 1 nW | 1,000 pW |
| 10 nW | 10,000 pW |
| 50 nW | 50,000 pW |
| 100 nW | 100,000 pW |
| 500 nW | 500,000 pW |
| 1,000 nW | 1,000,000 pW |
Reverse conversion: Picowatt to Nanowatt
1 pW × 0.001 = 0.001 nW
1 picowatt = 0.001 nanowatts.
nanowatts = picowatts × 0.001
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Picowatt to Nanowatt.
Understanding the Nanowatt (nW)
Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many picowatts are in 1 nanowatt?
1 nanowatt equals 1,000 picowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert nanowatt to picowatt?
Multiply the nanowatt value by 1000. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert picowatt back to nanowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 picowatt equals 0.001 nanowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a nanowatt?
Nanowatt (nW) is a unit of engineering.
What is a picowatt?
Picowatt (pW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the nanowatt to picowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both nanowatt and picowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1000 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.