Amps (A) to milliamps (mA) Calculator

Use this free tool to convert amps to milliamps and milliamps to amps with ease. Get instant results, real-life examples, and tips for electrical and solar applications.

Need to Convert mA to A?

What Are Amps and Milliamps?

Amps (A) measure electric current, typically used for larger power systems like home solar or inverters.

Milliamps (mA) are one-thousandth of an amp, often used in small electronics, USB devices, and low-power sensors.

Example Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I convert amps to milliamps?

Multiply the value in amps (A) by 1,000. For example, 2 A × 1000 = 2000 mA.

2. What’s the difference between an amp and a milliamp?

An ampere (A) is the standard unit of electric current. A milliampere (mA) is one-thousandth of an amp (1 A = 1000 mA).

3. Why do small devices list current in milliamps?

Low-power electronics like smartphones, USB chargers, and sensors often consume small amounts of current. Listing in milliamps provides more precise figures.

4. Can I use this calculator for solar applications?

Yes. This is useful for working with charge controllers, panel ratings, and small DC loads.

5. What happens if I enter a negative number?

The calculator ignores negative values as current cannot be negative in practical use.

Understanding Amps and Milliamps

What is an Ampere?

Definition: An ampere (A) is the standard SI unit used to measure electric current. It represents the amount of electric charge passing a point in a circuit per second. One ampere equals one coulomb of charge flowing per second.

Background: The ampere is named after André-Marie Ampère, a French scientist who was one of the pioneers in the study of electromagnetism. The modern definition of the ampere is based on a fixed value for the charge of a single electron, making it more precise and easier to reproduce in scientific settings.

Application: Amperes are used in nearly all areas of electrical measurement — from household wiring to industrial systems. An amp can also be described in terms of power and voltage: 1 amp = 1 watt / 1 volt.

What is a Milliampere?

Definition: A milliampere (mA) is one-thousandth of an ampere. It’s commonly used to measure small currents, especially in devices like smartphones, medical sensors, and other low-power electronics.

Background: The prefix “milli” means 1/1000, so a milliamp simply expresses a smaller quantity of current than a full amp. This unit makes it easier to work with and communicate precise current values without using decimal places.

Application: Milliamps are frequently used in battery ratings, LED circuits, and any system where low-power consumption is essential. Devices like multimeters and current testers often measure current in mA when working with electronics.

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