nF

nF stands for nanofarad, a unit of capacitance in the metric system, equal to one billionth of a farad (10^-9 F). The farad is a relatively large unit, so nanofarads are commonly used to describe the small capacitances found in electronic components. The term appears in circuit diagrams, component specifications, and datasheets.

Relation to other units: 1 nF = 0.001 μF = 1000 pF. In practice, electronic values are often labeled in nanofarads, sometimes without the unit (for example, 100 nF). The capacitance C determines the charge Q stored at a given voltage V (Q = C·V). The energy stored is E = 1/2 C V^2, so a 1 nF capacitor at 5 volts stores about 12.5 nanojoules.

Typical uses: nanofarad-scale capacitors are common for decoupling power rails, filtering, and timing networks in digital and mixed-signal circuits. They are often found in proximity to integrated circuits to stabilize supply voltages and reduce noise. Capacitors in the nanofarad range are contrasted with microfarads or higher for energy storage, or picofarads for high-frequency tuning. Voltage ratings vary by dielectric type and package, with common ceramic capacitors rated at 6.3V, 16V, 50V, and higher. Dielectric materials (for example NP0/C0G, X7R, Y5V) influence tolerance, temperature behavior, and stability.

Measurement and standardization: nanofarad values are specified according to international standards and appear on datasheets and markings. In education and common practice, the nF unit provides a convenient scale for describing typical small-capacitance components used in everyday electronics.