How this calculator works
The angstrom is defined as 10^-10 metres and the nanometre as 10^-9 metres. Ten angstroms therefore make one nanometre exactly. This is a length conversion only: converting a wavelength to frequency would also require the propagation speed.
Formula
nanometres = angstroms / 10; angstroms = nanometres x 10; metres = angstroms x 10^-10.
Worked example
A wavelength of 5,000 Å is 500 nm, or 0.5 micrometres. A spacing of 0.25 nm is 2.5 Å.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the factor of ten exact?
Yes. Both units are fixed decimal multiples of the metre.
Can this convert X-ray wavelengths?
Yes. For example, 1.54 Å is 0.154 nm. The converter does not identify an element or spectral line.
Is an angstrom an SI unit?
It is outside the SI. Nanometres or picometres are usually preferred in SI work.