1 microsecond equals 0.000001 seconds.
A microsecond is a unit of time that is one millionth of a second, so converting 1 microsecond to seconds means dividing by 1,000,000. This conversion shows how tiny a microsecond is compared to a full second.
Conversion Tool
Result in second:
Conversion Formula
The formula for converting microseconds (µs) to seconds (s) is simple: you divide the number of microseconds by 1,000,000. Because 1 second contains 1,000,000 microseconds, the fraction of seconds represented by a microsecond is very small.
Mathematically, this is written as:
seconds = microseconds ÷ 1,000,000
For example, to convert 1 microsecond to seconds:
- Start with 1 microsecond.
- Divide 1 by 1,000,000: 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 seconds.
- This shows 1 microsecond is one millionth of a second.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 microseconds to seconds:
- Take 5 microseconds.
- Divide 5 by 1,000,000.
- 5 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000005 seconds.
- Convert 250 microseconds to seconds:
- Start with 250 microseconds.
- Divide 250 by 1,000,000.
- 250 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.00025 seconds.
- Convert 1000 microseconds to seconds:
- Use 1000 microseconds.
- Divide 1000 by 1,000,000.
- 1000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.001 seconds.
- Convert 0.5 microseconds to seconds:
- Start with 0.5 microseconds.
- Divide 0.5 by 1,000,000.
- 0.5 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.0000005 seconds.
Conversion Chart
The table below shows values from -24.0 to 26.0 microseconds converted into seconds. Negative values mean times before a reference point, while positive values represent times after. Use the chart to quickly find the equivalent in seconds by multiplying the microsecond value by 0.000001.
| Microseconds (µs) | Seconds (s) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -0.000024 |
| -20.0 | -0.000020 |
| -16.0 | -0.000016 |
| -12.0 | -0.000012 |
| -8.0 | -0.000008 |
| -4.0 | -0.000004 |
| 0.0 | 0.000000 |
| 2.0 | 0.000002 |
| 6.0 | 0.000006 |
| 10.0 | 0.000010 |
| 14.0 | 0.000014 |
| 18.0 | 0.000018 |
| 22.0 | 0.000022 |
| 26.0 | 0.000026 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many seconds are in 1 microsecond exactly?
- What is the decimal equivalent of 1 microsecond in seconds?
- How do you convert 1 microsecond to seconds without a calculator?
- Is 1 microsecond more or less than 0.000001 seconds?
- Why is 1 microsecond equal to 0.000001 seconds?
- What does 1 microsecond convert to in seconds in scientific notation?
- Can 1 microsecond be written as a fraction of a second?
Conversion Definitions
Microsecond: A microsecond is a unit of time equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a second. It is used in science and technology to measure very short durations, such as the speed of electronic signals or light pulses. Its symbol is µs.
Second: A second is the base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), defined by the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of radiation from a cesium atom. It serves as the standard for measuring time intervals worldwide, with symbol s.
Conversion FAQs
Can you convert microseconds to seconds without dividing by 1,000,000?
Dividing by 1,000,000 is the direct way, because one second has exactly 1,000,000 microseconds. You might use scientific notation, writing 1 microsecond as 1×10⁻⁶ seconds, but ultimately that means the same division is done implicitly.
Why do we use microseconds instead of seconds in some measurements?
Microseconds are used when measuring things that happen very fast, like processor speeds or light travel times. Seconds are too large for these, so microseconds provide a more precise way to express tiny time intervals.
Is the conversion between microseconds and seconds always exact?
Yes, since the microsecond is defined as exactly one millionth of a second, the conversion is exact without rounding errors. However, displayed values might be rounded for simplicity.
What happens if I convert negative microseconds to seconds?
Negative microseconds converted to seconds simply represent negative time values, like time before an event. The conversion formula still applies by dividing the negative number by 1,000,000.
How does converting microseconds to seconds help in programming?
In programming, precise time measurements are essential for performance and timing controls. Converting microseconds to seconds allows functions and timers to work with consistent units, especially when seconds are required by APIs.