Numerical aperture to resolution in nanometers
Type a value in NA to get it in nm instantly.
423.1nm
That's about the same as a 40× objective. It can separate detail down to about 423.1 nm.
Convert the other way: nm to NA
What it means
How fine can it see?
Resolution figures use green light at 550 nm and the Abbe limit. Shorter wavelengths resolve finer, which is why electron microscopes exist.
The math
How to convert NA to nm
Resolution and aperture are reciprocals through the wavelength: resolution = λ ÷ 2NA, which at 550 nm is 275 ÷ NA nanometers. The collection angle is arcsin(NA).
Example: 0.65 NA = 423.077 nm.
Every unit
Your aperture in every unit
Tables
NA to nm conversion table
| NA | nm |
|---|---|
| 0.04 NA | 6,875 nm |
| 0.1 NA | 2,750 nm |
| 0.25 NA | 1,100 nm |
| 0.4 NA | 687.5 nm |
| 0.65 NA | 423.077 nm |
| 0.75 NA | 366.667 nm |
| 0.85 NA | 323.529 nm |
| 0.95 NA | 289.474 nm |
| 1.25 NA | 220 nm |
| 1.4 NA | 196.429 nm |
nm to NA conversion table
| nm | NA |
|---|---|
| 196 nm | 1.40306 NA |
| 220 nm | 1.25 NA |
| 289 nm | 0.951557 NA |
| 324 nm | 0.848765 NA |
| 367 nm | 0.749319 NA |
| 423 nm | 0.650118 NA |
| 688 nm | 0.399709 NA |
| 1,100 nm | 0.25 NA |
| 2,750 nm | 0.1 NA |
| 6,880 nm | 0.0399709 NA |
Quick answers
Quick answers
- How many nm is 1 NA?
- 1 NA is 275 nm.
- How many nm is 10 NA?
- 10 NA is 27.5 nm.
- How many nm is 0.65 NA?
- 0.65 NA is 423.077 nm.
The units
About these units
Numerical aperture (NA)
The sine of the collection half-angle, times the refractive index.
Resolution in nanometers (nm)
The finest detail it can separate, by the Abbe limit.
Keep going