Convert Kilowatts to Megawatts - Power Converter
This tool converts a power value in kilowatts (kW) to megawatts (MW). The relationship is fixed in the International System of Units (SI): 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts and 1 megawatt equals 1,000,000 watts.
The converter is intended for quick, unambiguous unit changes used in engineering specifications, reporting, and high-level system planning. For energy measurements (kWh vs MWh) or instrument calibration, see the methodology and FAQs for additional guidance and standards references.
Governance
Record 5e3a9bdbe99b • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between kilowatt and megawatt with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Kilowatt | Megawatt |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 0.001 MW |
| 5 kW | 0.005 MW |
| 10 kW | 0.01 MW |
| 25 kW | 0.025 MW |
| 50 kW | 0.05 MW |
| 100 kW | 0.1 MW |
Methodology
Conversion follows the SI prefixes where kilo (k) = 10^3 and mega (M) = 10^6. Converting between kW and MW is therefore a fixed scaling by factors of 10^3.
When reporting converted values for engineering, procurement, or compliance, include the number of significant digits justified by measurement uncertainty or instrument specification. Traceability to national measurement institutes is recommended when measurements inform contracts or safety limits.
Standards and guidance referenced include national SI guidance, international unit standards, and industry electrical measurement practices. Examples of relevant authorities: NIST guidance on SI units, ISO series on quantities and units, IEEE measurement recommendations for power systems, and OSHA electrical safety regulations where power ratings affect safe work practices.
Key takeaways
Kilowatt to megawatt conversions are exact scaling operations within the SI system: divide kilowatts by 1,000 to obtain megawatts.
For published results, present units, indicate rounding or significant digits, and when relevant note measurement uncertainty and traceability to standards.
Worked examples
Convert 5 kW: 5 kW ÷ 1000 = 0.005 MW
Convert 1,250 kW: 1250 kW ÷ 1000 = 1.25 MW
Convert 0.75 kW: 0.75 kW ÷ 1000 = 0.00075 MW
F.A.Q.
Is this the same as converting kWh to MWh?
No. kW and MW measure instantaneous power (rate of energy transfer). kWh and MWh measure energy over time (power × time). Numerically, the conversion factor between kWh and MWh is the same scale (1 MWh = 1,000 kWh), but you must account for time when moving between power and energy.
Which formula should I use to convert kW to MW?
Use MW = kW ÷ 1000, or equivalently MW = kW × 0.001. This is an exact conversion based on SI prefixes.
How many significant figures should I show?
Choose significant figures consistent with the measurement uncertainty of the source value or the precision required by your application. For instrument-derived values, follow the device's accuracy specifications and document uncertainty per best practice (e.g., traceable calibration).
Do I need to calibrate instruments for valid conversions?
The arithmetic conversion does not require calibration, but the accuracy of a reported power value depends on the measuring instrument. For regulatory, contractual, or safety-critical purposes, ensure instruments are calibrated and traceable to national standards and that stated uncertainties are recorded.
Are there regulatory considerations when reporting MW values?
Yes. When power figures are used for permitting, grid interconnection, or safety assessments, follow the applicable national and industry standards and document measurement traceability. Consult regulatory and industry guidance for the relevant jurisdiction and application.
Sources & citations
- NIST — SI Units and Traceability — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- ISO — Quantities and Units (ISO 80000 series) — https://www.iso.org/standard/64973.html
- IEEE — Measurement practices and guidelines for electric power — https://standards.ieee.org
- OSHA — Electrical safety and workplace regulations — https://www.osha.gov/electrical
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Related tools
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 5e3a9bdbe99bWhat changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-29 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-29 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 29, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-29 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 0946a35b47cd
