Convert between inductance units instantly with our advanced calculator. Perfect for electronics, RF design, and power systems.
Unit Converter
Inductor Calculator
Applications
Inductance Unit Converter
Enter a value in any field to convert between all units
10 μH
100 μH
1 mH
1 H
Inductor Visualization
Visual representation of inductance magnitude
No value entered
Inductance Conversion Formulas
1 H = 1,000 mH = 1,000,000 μH
1 μH = 1,000 nH = 1,000,000 pH
1 kH = 1,000 H = 1,000,000 mH
Note: The inductor shows relative size based on inductance value.
Inductor Design Calculator
Calculate inductance for different coil types
Air Core Solenoid Calculator
Formula: L = (μ₀ × N² × A) / l
Where N = turns, A = area, l = length
Buck Converter Inductor Calculator
Formula: L = (Vin × D × (1-D)) / (fsw × ΔIL)
Where D = duty cycle, fsw = switching frequency
Inductor Selection Tips
When selecting an inductor for your design, consider these important factors:
Saturation Current: Choose an inductor with a saturation current rating higher than your peak current
DCR (DC Resistance): Lower DCR means less power loss, but typically requires larger inductors
Size Constraints: Higher inductance values generally require larger physical components
Operating Frequency: Higher frequencies allow for smaller inductors but may increase core losses
Temperature Rise: Consider the self-heating effect, especially in high-current applications
Inductors in Real-World Applications
Understanding inductance in various fields and industries
Power Electronics
In power electronics, inductors are critical components in:
DC-DC Converters: Buck (step-down) converters typically use 1-100 μH inductors
Boost Converters: Step-up converters often require 10-1000 μH inductors
Power Factor Correction: PFC circuits use 1-10 mH inductors
EMI Filters: Common mode chokes range from 1-100 mH
The inductor in a switching converter stores energy during the switch-on period and releases it during the switch-off period, maintaining current flow to the load.
RF and Communications
RF applications use inductors for:
Impedance Matching: Typically 1-100 nH inductors
Oscillator Circuits: 10 nH - 10 μH depending on frequency
RF Filters: Band-pass and band-stop filters use precisely tuned inductors
RF Chokes: Prevent RF signals from entering DC power lines
In RF design, the self-resonant frequency (SRF) of the inductor is critical - it must be well above the operating frequency.
Power Distribution
Power systems use large inductors for:
Line Reactors: 1-100 mH inductors reduce harmonics and protect equipment
Transformers: Utilize mutual inductance, typically measured in henries
Harmonic Filters: Tuned LC filters use specific inductance values to target harmonic frequencies
Current Limiting: Series inductors limit fault currents in power systems
Automotive Electronics
Modern vehicles use inductors in:
DC-DC Converters: Converting battery voltage to various system voltages
Motor Drivers: PWM control circuits for electric motors
LED Lighting: Current regulators for LED headlights and interior lighting
EMI Suppression: Reducing electromagnetic interference in sensitive circuits
Automotive-grade inductors must withstand harsh environments, temperature extremes, and vibration.
About Inductance Units
Inductance is a property of an electrical conductor by which a change in current through it induces an electromotive force (EMF) in both the conductor itself and in any nearby conductors.
The SI unit of inductance is the henry (H), named after Joseph Henry. For practical applications, we use various multiples and submultiples of the henry:
Kilohenry (kH): 1,000 H - Used in very large power systems and theoretical calculations
Henry (H): Base unit - Used for large power inductors and transformers
Millihenry (mH): 0.001 H - Common in audio equipment, power supplies, and filters
Microhenry (μH): 0.000001 H - Used in RF circuits, switching power supplies, and small filters
Nanohenry (nH): 0.000000001 H - Used in high-frequency circuits and microwave applications
Picohenry (pH): 0.000000000001 H - Used in ultra-high-frequency applications and integrated circuits