nm

What is a Nanometer?

Nanometer is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.

Nanometer is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.

The prefix nano- (one billionth, from Greek nanos, dwarf) was adopted with the SI in 1960; the nanometer is the usual unit for light wavelengths and semiconductor feature sizes.

Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 nm = 1.000000e-9 m.

Nanometer facts

Unit name
Nanometer
Symbol
nm
Category
Length
Measurement system
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent
1 nm = 1.000000e-9 m
Common uses
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement

Definition of the nanometer

Nanometer is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.

Measurement system and SI relationship

Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage

SI equivalent: 1 nm = 1.000000e-9 m

History of the nanometer

The prefix nano- (one billionth, from Greek nanos, dwarf) was adopted with the SI in 1960; the nanometer is the usual unit for light wavelengths and semiconductor feature sizes.

Where is the nanometer used?

Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement

Nanometer conversion tools

Sources

  1. BIPM: The International System of Units (SI Brochure)
  2. NIST: SI Units – Length
  3. NIST: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units

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