Enter a value in any field to convert between all units
Visual representation of current magnitude
Note: The meter shows relative magnitude on a logarithmic scale.
Compare different current magnitudes across common applications
| Current Range | Example Applications | Typical Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pA - 1 nA | Semiconductor leakage currents, sensitive scientific instruments | pA |
| 1 nA - 1 μA | Photodiodes, ion chambers, precision sensors | nA |
| 1 μA - 1 mA | Low-power electronics, microcontroller sleep modes, small LEDs | μA |
| 1 mA - 100 mA | IoT devices, sensors, small motors, standard LEDs | mA |
| 100 mA - 10 A | Household appliances, power tools, laptop chargers | A |
| 10 A - 1 kA | Electric vehicles, industrial equipment, large motors | A |
| 1 kA - 100 kA | Power distribution, industrial welding, lightning strikes | kA |
| 100 kA - 1 MA | High-voltage transmission lines, large industrial systems | kA, MA |
Calculate current using Ohm's Law and Power equations
Understanding electric current in various fields and industries
In electronics, current is typically measured in microamperes (μA) to amperes (A). For example:
Understanding current requirements is essential for designing power supplies, battery management systems, and ensuring components operate within safe limits.
Industrial settings often deal with much larger currents, measured in amperes (A) to kiloamperes (kA):
Safety measures and proper conductor sizing are critical when working with such high currents to prevent equipment damage and ensure personnel safety.
Power distribution systems handle some of the largest currents in everyday applications:
Current calculations are essential for sizing conductors, specifying protection devices, and ensuring efficient power delivery.
Scientific applications often measure extremely small currents:
These applications require highly sensitive equipment and careful shielding from electromagnetic interference.
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A). One ampere represents one coulomb of charge passing a point in one second.
The SI unit of electric current is the ampere (A), which is one of the seven base units in the International System of Units. For practical applications, we use various multiples and submultiples of the ampere: