Milliampere to Microampere (mA to µA) Converter

Converting between milliamperes and microamperes is a common task when working with sensitive electronics, circuits, and components. Our Milliampere to Microampere (mA to µA) Converter gives you fast, precise results without any manual math. Use this tool to get the exact current value you need for your project or analysis.

Electric Current Converter

Milliampere to Microampere Converter

1 mA = 1,000 µA

How to Use Our mA to µA Converter

 

Our converter is straightforward and designed for quick use. Here’s all you need to do:

  • Value: Enter the numerical value of the current you wish to convert. For instance, if a component is rated for 20 milliamperes, you would type “20”.

  • Units: The tool is already set to convert from milliamperes (mA) to microamperes (µA). You can also use the dropdown menus to select other current units if necessary.

The calculator will provide the converted value instantly.


Understanding Your Results

 

The number shown is the direct equivalent of your input value in the new unit. To understand this result, you need to know the relationship between these two common units of electric current.

 

The Core Relationship: mA vs. µA

 

Both milliamperes and microamperes are fractions of an ampere (), the standard unit of electric current. Electric current is the rate at which electric charge flows through a circuit—think of it like the volume of water flowing through a pipe each second.

  • Milliampere (mA): One-thousandth of an ampere ( A). This is a very common unit used for charging devices and powering small electronics.

  • Microampere (A): One-millionth of an ampere ( A). This is an even smaller unit used for highly sensitive circuits and biomedical sensors.

The key conversion factor between them is a power of 1,000:

1 Milliampere = 1,000 Microamperes

So, to convert from milliamperes to microamperes, you simply multiply by 1,000.

Example:

 

Putting Small Currents into Perspective

 

It can be hard to visualize these small amounts of current. This table compares them to the base unit (Ampere) and shows real-world examples.

UnitSymbolRelationship to 1 Ampere (A)Real-World Example
AmpereBase UnitCharging a modern smartphone (~2 A)
Milliampere1 A = 1,000 mAPowering a standard LED (10-30 mA)
Microampere1 A = 1,000,000 ACurrent in a biomedical sensor or a digital watch

This shows why these units are so useful. Describing the current for an LED as “0.020 A” is cumbersome compared to the much simpler “20 mA”.


Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the main formula to convert mA to µA?

 

The formula is very simple:

Conversely, to convert microamperes back to milliamperes:

 

Why are these small units of current important in electronics?

 

Modern electronics, especially portable and low-power devices, operate on very little energy to extend battery life and prevent overheating. Using small units like milliamperes and microamperes allows engineers and hobbyists to:

  • Match Components: Ensure a power supply provides the correct, non-damaging amount of current to a sensitive component.

  • Design for Efficiency: Accurately measure and minimize power consumption in battery-operated devices like wearables, remote controls, and sensors.

  • Perform Diagnostics: Troubleshoot circuits by measuring tiny leakage currents that could indicate a fault.

Concrete Example: How many microamperes does a typical LED use?

 

A standard 5mm red LED (Light Emitting Diode) is often designed to run at a forward current of about 20 milliamperes (mA).

To convert this to microamperes:

So, a typical LED uses 20,000 microamperes of current. Exceeding this value can drastically shorten the LED’s lifespan or burn it out instantly.

 

What’s the difference between a microampere (A) and a milliampere (mA)?

 

The difference is a factor of 1,000. A milliampere is one thousand times larger than a microampere. Think of it like this:

  • A millimeter is a thousandth of a meter.

  • A micrometer is a millionth of a meter.

The prefixes “milli-” (meaning thousandth) and “micro-” (meaning millionth) work the same way for all SI units, including amperes, volts, and watts.

 

How do you measure milliamperes and microamperes?

 

You measure current using a tool called an ammeter. Most modern multimeters have an ammeter function with settings specifically for measuring milliamperes (mA) and microamperes (µA).

To measure current, you must connect the multimeter in series with the component. This means you have to break the circuit and insert the meter’s probes so that the current flows through the meter.

 

Is a microampere of current dangerous?

 

A few microamperes are generally not dangerous and are well below the threshold of human perception. The danger of electric shock depends on the amount of current passing through the body’s vital organs.

Here’s a rough guide for the effects of AC current on the human body:

Current LevelEffect
1,000 A (1 mA)Faint tingling sensation. Generally considered harmless.
5,000 A (5 mA)Slight shock felt. Not painful but disturbing.
10,000-20,000 APainful shock, loss of muscle control (“let-go” threshold).
50,000+ AExtreme pain, respiratory arrest, ventricular fibrillation. Can be fatal.

While a single microampere is not dangerous, it’s crucial to remember that circuits capable of delivering milliamperes can be very dangerous.

 

How does current relate to voltage and resistance?

 

These three fundamental electrical properties are linked by Ohm’s Law.

  • Voltage (): The “pressure” that pushes the electric charge.

  • Current (): The rate of flow of the electric charge.

  • Resistance (): The opposition to the flow.

Ohm’s Law states: . This means that for a given voltage, a higher resistance will result in a lower current, and vice-versa.

 

What are some real-world examples of devices that operate on microampere currents?

 

Microampere currents are common in ultra-low-power electronics:

  • Digital Watches: The circuitry in a quartz watch runs on just a few microamperes to make the battery last for years.

  • Pacemakers: These biomedical devices deliver timed electrical pulses to regulate the heart, operating at very low current levels to maximize battery life.

  • Smoke Detectors: In standby mode, an ionization smoke detector draws only a tiny microampere current through the air in its sensing chamber.

  • Photodiodes: These light sensors generate a current proportional to the light intensity, which can be in the microampere or even nanoampere range.

What is the next smallest unit after a microampere?

 

The next standard SI prefix down from a microampere (A), which is A, is a nanoampere (nA), which is A. A nanoampere is one-billionth of an ampere and is one thousand times smaller than a microampere. Nanoampere currents are measured in highly sensitive scientific instruments and semiconductor analysis.

 

Why is the symbol for microampere the Greek letter mu ()?

 

The symbol is the Greek letter “mu” (), which serves as the official SI prefix for “micro-,” meaning one-millionth. It was adopted to avoid confusion with “m” for “milli-.” So, you have mA for milliampere and A for microampere.


Now that you’ve converted your current values, see how current fits into the bigger picture with our Ohm’s Law Calculator. To understand how this current contributes to power consumption, check out our Electrical Power Calculator.

Scroll to Top