Electric Current Converter ⚡
Free online electric current converter. Convert amperes, milliamperes, kiloamperes, and 26+ current units instantly. Includes A to mA, mA to A calculator with formulas.
📐 Conversion Formula
Common Electric Current Conversions
Quick Current Conversions
A to mA
× 1,000
1 A = 1,000 mA
mA to A
÷ 1,000
1,000 mA = 1 A
A to µA
× 1,000,000
1 A = 1,000,000 µA
kA to A
× 1,000
1 kA = 1,000 A
Converter Performance Metrics
How to Use Electric Current Converter
Step 1: Enter Current Value
Type the electric current value you want to convert in the "From" field. The converter accepts any positive or negative number including decimals. For example, enter 5 for 5 amperes or 1000 for 1000 milliamperes depending on your selected unit.
Step 2: Select Source Unit
Choose the unit of your input current from the "From" dropdown. Options include amperes, milliamperes, microamperes, kiloamperes and 26+ other current units. Select the unit that matches your measurement or circuit specification.
Step 3: Select Target Unit
Pick the unit you want to convert to from the "To" dropdown. The conversion happens automatically in real-time as you change units. The formula used for conversion is displayed below for educational reference and verification.
Step 4: Use Results
View the converted result in the "To" field. Click Copy to copy the result to clipboard, Swap to reverse conversion direction, or Reset to start over. All calculations are instant and accurate for electrical engineering applications.
Understanding Electric Current Units
What is Electric Current?
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A) in the SI system. One ampere equals one coulomb of charge passing a point per second. Current flows from positive to negative terminal (conventional current) though electrons flow opposite direction. Current can be direct (DC) or alternating (AC).
Fundamental Relationships: \( I = \frac{Q}{t} \) where \( I \) is current in amperes, \( Q \) is charge in coulombs, \( t \) is time in seconds. Ohm's Law: \( I = \frac{V}{R} \) where \( V \) is voltage, \( R \) is resistance. Power: \( P = VI \). Key conversions: \( 1 \text{ A} = 1,000 \text{ mA} = 1,000,000 \text{ µA} \), \( 1 \text{ kA} = 1,000 \text{ A} \), \( 1 \text{ A} = 1 \text{ C/s} \).
Common Current Units Explained
Ampere (A): SI base unit of electric current named after André-Marie Ampère. One ampere is constant current that produces force of 2×10⁻⁷ N per meter between two parallel conductors one meter apart. Standard household circuits typically 15-20 A. Car batteries deliver 400-800 A cold cranking current.
Milliampere (mA): One-thousandth of an ampere (0.001 A). Common for small electronic devices, sensors, LED circuits. USB charging typically 500-2,000 mA. Dangerous current threshold: 10 mA can cause muscle contractions, 100 mA potentially fatal. Battery capacity often measured in mAh (milliampere-hours).
Microampere (µA): One-millionth of an ampere (0.000001 A). Used for very small currents in microelectronics, biomedical sensors, and leakage measurements. CMOS circuits operate in µA range. Quiescent current in low-power devices measured in µA. Important for battery-powered IoT devices.
Common Use Cases
🔌 Electronics & Circuits
Convert currents for circuit design, component selection, and troubleshooting. Resistor ratings, LED forward current, IC power consumption all specified in mA or µA. Essential for breadboard prototyping, PCB design, and understanding device datasheets across different measurement scales.
🔋 Battery & Power
Convert battery capacity (mAh), charging current (A), and discharge rates. Phone batteries typically 3,000-5,000 mAh. Power banks rated in mAh. Fast charging uses 2-3 A. Understanding current conversions essential for battery life calculations and safe charging practices.
⚡ Electrical Safety
Understand dangerous current levels for safety. 1 mA barely perceptible, 10 mA painful, 100 mA potentially lethal. Circuit breakers rated in amperes. Ground fault interrupters trip at 5 mA. Essential for electrical work, safety training, and risk assessment in electrical systems.
🏭 Industrial Systems
Convert high currents for motors, welding equipment, and industrial machinery. Arc welding uses 50-300 A. Large motors draw hundreds of amperes. Lightning strikes peak at 20-200 kA. Critical for sizing wires, breakers, and understanding power distribution in manufacturing facilities.
📱 Mobile Devices
Understand smartphone and tablet charging specifications. USB 2.0 provides 500 mA, USB 3.0 up to 900 mA, USB-C can deliver 3 A or more. Quick Charge and fast charging technologies use higher currents. Essential for choosing chargers and cables.
🎓 Education & Labs
Students convert currents for physics experiments, electrical engineering labs, and homework problems. Ammeter readings, Ohm's Law calculations, circuit analysis all require current conversions. Essential for understanding fundamental electrical concepts and practical measurements.