Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Picowatts to Nanowatts Converter — pW to nW
Convert Picowatt (pW) to Nanowatt (nW) using the exact conversion factor (1 picowatt = 0.001 nanowatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picowatts to Nanowatts 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.
Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 1e-9.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picowatts to Nanowatts
Picowatt and Nanowatt 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: Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units, and nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Formula
nanowatts = picowatts × 0.001
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 nanowatt equals 1e-9 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct picowatt-to-nanowatt factor of 0.001.
Simple example
1 pW × 0.001 = 0.001 nW
1 picowatt = 0.001 nanowatts.
Real-world example
100 pW × 0.001 = 0.1 nW
100 picowatts = 0.1 nanowatts.
Conversion table
| Picowatt (pW) | Nanowatt (nW) |
|---|---|
| 1 pW | 0.001 nW |
| 10 pW | 0.01 nW |
| 50 pW | 0.05 nW |
| 100 pW | 0.1 nW |
| 500 pW | 0.5 nW |
| 1,000 pW | 1 nW |
Reverse conversion: Nanowatt to Picowatt
0.001 nW × 1000 = 1 pW
0.001 nanowatts = 1 picowatts.
picowatts = nanowatts × 1000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Nanowatt to Picowatt.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Understanding the Nanowatt (nW)
Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many nanowatts are in 1 picowatt?
1 picowatt equals 0.001 nanowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert picowatt to nanowatt?
Multiply the picowatt value by 0.001. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert nanowatt back to picowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 nanowatt equals 1,000 picowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a picowatt?
Picowatt (pW) is a unit of engineering.
What is a nanowatt?
Nanowatt (nW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the picowatt to nanowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both picowatt and nanowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.001 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.