Picometers to Angstroms (pm to Å) Converter
A scientific calculator for the atomic scale. Instantly convert between **picometers (pm)**, **angstroms (Å)**, **nanometers (nm)**, and **meters (m)** by entering a value in any field.
How to Convert Picometers to Angstroms
The conversion between picometers (pm) and angstroms (Å) is a simple, direct factor of 100. Both are used extensively in chemistry and physics to describe distances at the atomic and molecular level.
The Conversion Formula
The relationship is defined as:
Therefore, to convert from picometers to angstroms, you **divide the picometer value by 100**.
- Formula:
Å = pm / 100 - Example:
154 pm / 100 = 1.54 Å
To convert from angstroms to picometers, you **multiply the angstrom value by 100**.
- Formula:
pm = Å × 100 - Example:
2.5 Å × 100 = 250 pm
Atomic Scale Conversion Chart
This table shows the relationship between all the common scientific units for small-scale measurements.
| Unit | In Meters (Scientific) | Commonly Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeter (mm) | 10-3 m | Small objects, insects |
| Micrometer (µm) | 10-6 m | Bacteria, cells, microchips |
| Nanometer (nm) | 10-9 m | Wavelength of light, DNA, viruses |
| Angstrom (Å) | 10-10 m | Chemical bonds, X-rays |
| Picometer (pm) | 10-12 m | Atomic radii |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many picometers are in 1 angstrom?
There are exactly **100 picometers (pm)** in 1 angstrom (Å).
Which is smaller, a picometer or an angstrom?
A **picometer (pm)** is smaller. It is one-hundredth (1/100) the size of an angstrom. (1 pm = 0.01 Å).
Why do scientists use both pm and Å?
Tradition is the main reason. The **picometer (pm)** is the official SI unit, so it is often preferred in formal scientific papers. The **angstrom (Å)**, however, is a non-SI unit that remains extremely popular in chemistry and spectroscopy because it is so convenient: most atomic radii are 100-200 pm, and most chemical bonds are 1-2 Å. (e.g., a carbon-carbon bond is ~1.54 Å, which is simpler to say and write than 154 pm).