Charge Converter
Convert between different electric charge units including Coulombs, Ampere-hours, Faradays, and more.
Result
1 Coulomb = 1000 Millicoulomb
Complete Guide to Electric Charge Conversion
Electric charge conversion is essential across electrical engineering, battery technology, electrochemistry, physics research, and electronics design. Whether you're calculating battery capacity in ampere-hours, measuring electrostatic charge in coulombs, analyzing electrochemical reactions in faradays, or working with fundamental particle charges in elementary charge units, our free online charge converter makes it easy to convert between Coulombs, Ampere-hours, Millicoulombs, Microcoulombs, Faradays, Statcoulombs, and other charge units instantly. Understanding electric charge units and conversions is crucial for accurate measurements in electrical engineering, battery systems, capacitor design, and fundamental physics research.
Understanding Electric Charge Measurement Units
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electromagnetic field. Different industries and applications use various charge units, each suited to specific measurement scales and contexts. From tiny elementary charges in particle physics to massive coulomb measurements in industrial systems, understanding these units helps bridge different engineering disciplines and applications.
SI Units (Metric System)
Coulomb (C) - The Base Unit
The Coulomb is the SI base unit for electric charge, named after French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb. One Coulomb equals the charge transported by a constant current of one Ampere in one second (1 C = 1 A·s). Approximately 6.242 × 10¹⁸ elementary charges equal one coulomb.
Coulomb Multiples
- Kilocoulomb (kC): 1,000 C - Large industrial capacitors and power systems
- Megacoulomb (MC): 1,000,000 C - Extreme electrical phenomena and lightning
Coulomb Submultiples
- Millicoulomb (mC): 0.001 C - Small capacitors and electronics
- Microcoulomb (µC): 0.000001 C - Electrostatic measurements
- Nanocoulomb (nC): 0.000000001 C - Precision electronics
- Picocoulomb (pC): 0.000000000001 C - Ultra-sensitive measurements
Ampere-Time Units
Ampere-Hour (A·h)
The Ampere-hour is a practical unit for battery capacity: 1 A·h = 3,600 C. Commonly used in battery ratings, it represents the amount of charge a battery can deliver. For example, a 50 A·h car battery can supply 50 amperes for one hour, or 1 ampere for 50 hours.
Ampere-Minute and Ampere-Second
- Ampere-minute (A·min): 60 C - Short-duration measurements
- Ampere-second (A·s): 1 C - Equivalent to one coulomb
- Milliampere-hour (mA·h): 3.6 C - Small battery ratings
CGS Units (Centimeter-Gram-Second System)
Electrostatic Units (ESU)
- Statcoulomb (stC): 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰ C - Electrostatic measurements
- Franklin (Fr): 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰ C - Same as statcoulomb
- ESU of charge: 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰ C - Electrostatic unit system
Electromagnetic Units (EMU)
- Abcoulomb (abC): 10 C - Electromagnetic unit system
- EMU of charge: 10 C - Same as abcoulomb
Specialized Charge Units
Faraday (F)
The Faraday constant represents the charge of one mole of electrons: 1 F = 96,485.3321 C (based on carbon-12). Essential in electrochemistry for calculating charge in chemical reactions, electrolysis, and battery chemistry.
Elementary Charge (e)
The fundamental unit of charge: 1 e = 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. The charge of a single proton or electron. Used in particle physics, quantum mechanics, and semiconductor physics.
How to Convert Coulomb to Millicoulomb
Converting Coulombs to Millicoulombs is one of the most common charge conversions, especially for electronics and capacitor measurements. To convert from Coulombs to Millicoulombs, multiply the Coulomb value by 1,000. This conversion factor comes from the definition: 1 millicoulomb = 0.001 coulomb exactly. For example, 0.05 C × 1,000 = 50 mC. This conversion is essential for understanding capacitor ratings, electrostatic measurements, and small charge calculations in electronics.
Charge vs Current: Understanding the Difference
One of the most important concepts in charge conversion is understanding the difference between charge and current:
- Charge (Q): The total amount of electric charge, measured in Coulombs. It's cumulative - the total charge that has flowed or been stored.
- Current (I): The rate at which charge flows, measured in Amperes. It's instantaneous - how fast charge is moving (1 A = 1 C/s).
The relationship is: Current × Time = Charge. For example, a current of 2 A flowing for 3 seconds transfers 6 C of charge. Understanding this distinction is crucial for battery calculations, capacitor charging, and electrical circuit analysis.
Charge Conversion Formulas
Our charge converter uses these precise formulas for accurate conversions:
Coulomb to Millicoulomb:
mC = C × 1,000
Millicoulomb to Coulomb:
C = mC ÷ 1,000
Coulomb to Ampere-Hour:
A·h = C ÷ 3,600
Ampere-Hour to Coulomb:
C = A·h × 3,600
Coulomb to Faraday:
F = C ÷ 96,485.3321
Faraday to Coulomb:
C = F × 96,485.3321
Coulomb to Statcoulomb:
stC = C × 2.99792458 × 10⁹
Statcoulomb to Coulomb:
C = stC × 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰
Coulomb to Elementary Charge:
e = C ÷ 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹
Elementary Charge to Coulomb:
C = e × 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹
Charge Conversion Table
Quick reference for converting between common charge units:
| Unit | Coulombs (C) | Millicoulombs (mC) | Ampere-Hours (A·h) | Faradays (F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Coulomb | 1 | 1,000 | 0.000278 | 0.000010 |
| 1 Millicoulomb | 0.001 | 1 | 2.78 × 10⁻⁷ | 1.04 × 10⁻⁸ |
| 1 Microcoulomb | 0.000001 | 0.001 | 2.78 × 10⁻¹⁰ | 1.04 × 10⁻¹¹ |
| 1 Ampere-Hour | 3,600 | 3,600,000 | 1 | 0.0373 |
| 1 Faraday | 96,485.33 | 96,485,330 | 26.801 | 1 |
| 1 Statcoulomb | 3.336 × 10⁻¹⁰ | 3.336 × 10⁻⁷ | 9.27 × 10⁻¹⁴ | 3.46 × 10⁻¹⁵ |
| 1 Abcoulomb | 10 | 10,000 | 0.00278 | 0.000104 |
| 1 Elementary Charge | 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ | 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁶ | 4.45 × 10⁻²³ | 1.66 × 10⁻²⁴ |
| 1 Kilocoulomb | 1,000 | 1,000,000 | 0.278 | 0.0104 |
| 1 Nanocoulomb | 0.000000001 | 0.000001 | 2.78 × 10⁻¹³ | 1.04 × 10⁻¹⁴ |
Common Charge Conversion Examples
Battery Capacity (Ampere-Hours to Coulombs):
- 1 A·h = 3,600 C
- 5 A·h smartphone = 18,000 C
- 50 A·h car battery = 180,000 C
- 100 A·h deep cycle = 360,000 C
- 200 A·h marine battery = 720,000 C
- 500 A·h truck battery = 1,800,000 C
- 1,000 A·h industrial = 3,600,000 C
Capacitor Charge (Coulombs to Millicoulombs):
- 0.001 C = 1 mC
- 0.01 C = 10 mC
- 0.1 C = 100 mC
- 0.5 C = 500 mC
- 1 C = 1,000 mC
- 5 C = 5,000 mC
- 10 C = 10,000 mC
Electrostatic Charge (Statcoulombs to Coulombs):
- 1 stC = 3.336 × 10⁻¹⁰ C
- 1,000 stC = 3.336 × 10⁻⁷ C
- 1,000,000 stC = 3.336 × 10⁻⁴ C
- 1,000,000,000 stC = 0.3336 C
- Typical static charge = 1-10 nC
- Lightning strike = ~15 C
- Cloud discharge = ~100-500 C
Electrochemical Charge (Faradays):
- 1 F = 96,485.33 C = 26.801 A·h
- 0.1 F = 9,648.5 C = 2.68 A·h
- 0.5 F = 48,242.7 C = 13.4 A·h
- 1 mole electrons = 1 F
- Electroplating 1 g silver = 0.0093 F
- Water electrolysis = 2 F per mole H₂O
- Battery chemistry = varies by reaction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I convert Coulombs to Millicoulombs?
To convert Coulombs to Millicoulombs, multiply the Coulomb value by 1,000. The formula is: Millicoulombs = Coulombs × 1,000. For example, 0.05 C = 0.05 × 1,000 = 50 mC. One millicoulomb equals exactly 0.001 coulomb by definition.
How many Coulombs are in 1 Ampere-Hour?
One Ampere-hour equals 3,600 Coulombs. To convert Ampere-hours to Coulombs, multiply the A·h value by 3,600. For example, 5 A·h = 5 × 3,600 = 18,000 C. This conversion is essential for understanding battery capacity and charge calculations.
What is the difference between Coulomb and Ampere-Hour?
A Coulomb is the SI base unit of electric charge (1 C = 1 A·s), while an Ampere-hour is a practical unit for battery capacity (1 A·h = 3,600 C). Ampere-hours are commonly used in battery ratings because they represent how long a battery can supply a certain current. The relationship is: 1 A·h = 1 A × 3,600 s = 3,600 C.
How do I convert Ampere-Hours to Coulombs?
To convert Ampere-hours to Coulombs, multiply the A·h value by 3,600. The formula is: Coulombs = Ampere-hours × 3,600. For example, 10 A·h = 10 × 3,600 = 36,000 C. This conversion is commonly used for battery capacity calculations and charge measurements.
What is a Coulomb in simple terms?
A Coulomb is the SI unit of electric charge, representing the amount of charge transported by a constant current of one Ampere in one second. One Coulomb equals approximately 6.242 × 10¹⁸ elementary charges (the charge of that many electrons or protons). It's named after French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb.
How do I convert Faradays to Coulombs?
To convert Faradays to Coulombs, multiply the Faraday value by 96,485.3321. The formula is: Coulombs = Faradays × 96,485.3321. For example, 0.1 F = 0.1 × 96,485.3321 = 9,648.5 C. One Faraday represents the charge of one mole of electrons and is essential in electrochemistry.
What is the difference between charge and current?
Charge (Q) is the total amount of electric charge, measured in Coulombs. Current (I) is the rate at which charge flows, measured in Amperes (1 A = 1 C/s). The relationship is: Current × Time = Charge. For example, a current of 2 A flowing for 3 seconds transfers 6 C of charge.
How do I convert Statcoulombs to Coulombs?
To convert Statcoulombs to Coulombs, multiply the statcoulomb value by 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰. The formula is: Coulombs = Statcoulombs × 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰. For example, 1,000,000 stC = 1,000,000 × 3.335641 × 10⁻¹⁰ = 3.336 × 10⁻⁴ C. Statcoulombs are used in the CGS electrostatic unit system.
Can I use this charge converter for battery calculations?
Yes! This charge converter is perfect for battery calculations. Most batteries show capacity in Ampere-hours. Convert between A·h and Coulombs to understand total charge capacity. For example, a 50 A·h car battery = 180,000 C = 180,000,000 mC. Understanding these conversions helps with battery sizing and charge calculations.
How do I convert Elementary Charge to Coulombs?
To convert Elementary Charge to Coulombs, multiply the elementary charge value by 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹. The formula is: Coulombs = Elementary Charge × 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹. For example, 6.242 × 10¹⁸ e = 1 C. The elementary charge is the fundamental unit of charge, equal to the charge of a single proton or electron.
What is a Faraday constant?
The Faraday constant (F) is the charge of one mole of electrons, equal to 96,485.3321 Coulombs. It's fundamental in electrochemistry for calculating charge in chemical reactions, electrolysis processes, and battery chemistry. One Faraday represents the charge needed to deposit or dissolve one mole of a monovalent ion in electrolysis.
How accurate is this charge converter?
Our charge converter uses precise conversion factors based on international standards and CODATA values. Results are calculated with high precision and automatically formatted for optimal readability. All conversions follow official SI unit definitions and internationally recognized charge unit relationships, including the exact value of the elementary charge (1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹ C).
Real-World Applications
Battery Technology
Charge conversion is fundamental in battery technology for rating capacity, calculating charge/discharge cycles, and understanding energy storage. Battery capacity is typically measured in Ampere-hours, while charge calculations use Coulombs. Converting between these units helps engineers design efficient battery systems, calculate charging times, and optimize battery performance.
Capacitor Design
Capacitor charge ratings are often specified in Coulombs, Millicoulombs, or Microcoulombs. Converting between these units helps engineers select appropriate capacitors for circuits, calculate charge storage capacity, and design filtering and timing circuits. Understanding charge units is essential for capacitor sizing and circuit design.
Electrochemistry
The Faraday constant is crucial in electrochemistry for calculating charge in chemical reactions, electrolysis processes, and electrochemical cells. Converting between Faradays and Coulombs helps chemists calculate reaction stoichiometry, determine electrode processes, and design electrochemical systems for industrial applications.
Physics Research
Elementary charge units are fundamental in particle physics, quantum mechanics, and semiconductor physics. Converting between elementary charges and Coulombs helps researchers understand fundamental particle interactions, calculate charge quantization effects, and analyze semiconductor device behavior at the quantum level.
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Tips for Charge Conversion
- Quick Approximation: For Coulombs to Millicoulombs, multiply by 1,000 (exact conversion)
- Remember Key Values: 1 A·h = 3,600 C, 1 F = 96,485 C, 1 e = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
- Battery Capacity: Ampere-hours are practical for battery ratings - multiply by 3,600 for Coulombs
- Electrochemistry: Use Faradays for mole-based calculations - 1 F = charge of 1 mole electrons
- Charge vs Current: Charge = Current × Time - don't confuse total charge with current flow rate
- Elementary Charge: Approximately 6.242 × 10¹⁸ elementary charges = 1 Coulomb