Convert Megawatts to Gigawatts - Power Converter
This tool converts a numeric power value in megawatts (MW) to the equivalent value in gigawatts (GW). The relationship between the units is fixed and based on the International System of Units (SI).
Use this converter for quick engineering estimates, reporting, or documentation. If you are reporting regulated measurements or instrument readings, apply appropriate calibration, traceability, and rounding rules described below.
Governance
Record cf1becdd080f • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between megawatt and gigawatt with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Megawatt | Gigawatt |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 0 GW |
| 5 MW | 0.01 GW |
| 10 MW | 0.01 GW |
| 25 MW | 0.03 GW |
| 50 MW | 0.05 GW |
| 100 MW | 0.1 GW |
Methodology
The conversion is a simple scale factor derived from SI prefixes: mega (10^6) and giga (10^9). This is a deterministic mathematical relationship and does not require additional inputs.
For measurement-derived values, ensure instrument calibration traceable to national standards and follow measurement uncertainty and reporting rules from recognized standards bodies (see citations).
When presenting results, choose an appropriate number of significant figures based on the accuracy of the original measurement and the context (engineering, regulatory filing, public reporting).
Key takeaways
This conversion uses the fixed SI factor 1 GW = 1000 MW, implemented as a single division by 1000.
For instrument-derived values, always consider calibration, uncertainty, and appropriate rounding before publishing or using results in safety-critical decisions.
Worked examples
500 MW → 500 ÷ 1000 = 0.5 GW
1,234 MW → 1,234 ÷ 1000 = 1.234 GW
0.99 MW → 0.99 ÷ 1000 = 0.00099 GW (showing that small MW values become sub-milli-GW)
F.A.Q.
Is this the same as converting megawatt-hours (MWh) to gigawatt-hours (GWh)?
No. MW and GW are units of power (instantaneous rate). MWh and GWh measure energy (power sustained over time). The numeric scale factor is the same (1 GWh = 1000 MWh) but you must include the time dimension when dealing with energy.
How many significant figures should I display?
Match the number of significant figures to the measurement's uncertainty. For laboratory-traceable measurements, follow ISO/IEC 17025 guidance and report uncertainty; for rounded public numbers, 2–4 significant figures are common depending on context.
Does the converter account for measurement uncertainty or instrument calibration?
No. This converter performs a mathematical unit conversion only. For measurement uncertainty, calibration, or compliance, consult relevant standards and record traceability to national measurement institutes.
Can I convert backwards from GW to MW?
Yes. Convert gigawatts to megawatts by multiplying by 1000 (MW = GW × 1000). Use the complementary converter or perform the inverse operation.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) — https://www.nist.gov/publications/guide-use-international-system-units-si
- ISO — ISO 80000 Quantities and units (electrotechnical portion) — https://www.iso.org/standard/30669.html
- IEEE Standards Association — Standards and guidance on units and measurements — https://standards.ieee.org
- OSHA — Electrical Standards and Safety — https://www.osha.gov/electrical
- ISO/IEC 17025 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories — https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html
- 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
External guidance
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: cf1becdd080fWhat 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: 078880e1c6b6