Mil/Thou to Micrometer Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert mils to micrometers with our free online length converter.
Mil/Thou to Micrometer Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Mil/Thou).
- The converted value in Micrometer will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Mil/Thou to Micrometer
Converting Mil/Thou to Micrometer involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Mil/Thou = 25.4 micrometersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 mils: 10 × 25.4 = 254 micrometers
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Mil/Thou and a Micrometer?
A mil (also known as a thou) is a unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inches or 25.4 micrometers).
A micrometer, also known as a micron, is a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter (1×10⁻⁶ m).
Note: The Mil/Thou is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Micrometer belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Mil/Thou and Micrometer
The unit originates from precision engineering and manufacturing where small tolerances are critical.
The term micron was officially accepted between 1879 and 1967 but later deprecated. Micrometer is the current standard term.
Common Uses for mils and micrometers
Explore the typical applications for both Mil/Thou (imperial/US) and Micrometer (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for mils
- Measuring thickness of materials (e.g., paper, plastic film, coatings)
- Specifying manufacturing tolerances
- Electronics (e.g., PCB trace widths)
Common Uses for micrometers
- Measuring microscopic objects (e.g., bacteria, cells)
- Precision engineering tolerances
- Semiconductor manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Mil/Thou (mil)
Is a mil the same as a millimeter?
No, a mil (0.001 inches) is much smaller than a millimeter (0.001 meters). 1 millimeter is approximately 39.37 mils.
Is 'mil' short for millimeter?
No, 'mil' is short for the Latin 'mille', meaning thousandth (of an inch). It is not an abbreviation for millimeter (mm).
What does 'thou' mean in this context?
'Thou' is another common name for a mil, also meaning one thousandth (of an inch). It is frequently used in engineering and machining.
About Micrometer (μm)
Is a micrometer the same as a micron?
Yes, 'micron' is an older, deprecated name for the micrometer (μm). Both refer to one millionth of a meter.
How many micrometers are in a millimeter?
There are 1,000 micrometers (μm) in 1 millimeter (mm).
What are some examples of things measured in micrometers?
Examples include the diameter of human hair (around 50-100 μm), bacteria (typically 1-10 μm), and the thickness of plastic bags.
Conversion Table: Mil/Thou to Micrometer
| Mil/Thou (mil) | Micrometer (μm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25.4 |
| 5 | 127 |
| 10 | 254 |
| 25 | 635 |
| 50 | 1,270 |
| 100 | 2,540 |
| 500 | 12,700 |
| 1,000 | 25,400 |