Convert Megawatts to Watts - Power Converter
This converter performs the exact mathematical conversion between megawatts (MW) and watts (W). The relationship is based on the International System of Units (SI) prefix 'mega' (10^6).
Use this tool for quick unit conversions, reporting, engineering checks, and documentation. The numerical conversion is exact, but measurement and instrumentation introduce uncertainty; see the methodology and citations for guidance on traceability and safety.
Governance
Record ad9e0b1084e4 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between megawatt and watt with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Megawatt | Watt |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 1,000,000 W |
| 5 MW | 5,000,000 W |
| 10 MW | 10,000,000 W |
| 25 MW | 25,000,000 W |
| 50 MW | 50,000,000 W |
| 100 MW | 100,000,000 W |
Methodology
The conversion uses the SI prefix definition: "mega" means 10^6. Therefore 1 megawatt equals 1,000,000 watts. This is a fixed multiplicative relationship and does not require context-specific coefficients.
For practical engineering and compliance, remember that the numeric conversion is exact but meter readings and power calculations are subject to instrument accuracy, calibration, environmental effects, and applicable standards for measurement and reporting.
For safe handling and workplace procedures related to electrical power systems, follow relevant electrical safety and measurement standards from national and international bodies. Refer to the citations for standards addressing units, measurement traceability, and electrical safety.
Worked examples
1 MW = 1,000,000 W
0.5 MW = 0.5 × 10^6 W = 500,000 W
3.7 MW = 3.7 × 10^6 W = 3,700,000 W
5,000,000 W = 5,000,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 5 MW
F.A.Q.
Is the conversion between MW and W exact?
Yes. The mathematical relationship is exact: 1 MW = 1,000,000 W. Any deviation in practice comes from measurement uncertainty, instrument calibration, or rounding for reporting.
How do I convert watts to megawatts?
Divide the value in watts by 1,000,000. Example: 2,500,000 W ÷ 1,000,000 = 2.5 MW.
Should I consider different rules for electrical vs. mechanical power?
The unit conversion is the same regardless of the power domain. However, measurement techniques, instrumentation, and applicable standards for accuracy and safety may differ between electrical and mechanical systems; follow domain-specific standards and calibration procedures.
How many significant figures should I display?
Choose significant figures based on measurement uncertainty and reporting standards. For calculated conversions where the input is exact, preserve the input's significant figures. For measured inputs, follow the uncertainty and reporting practices in standards such as NIST and ISO.
Are there safety or regulatory considerations when working with megawatt-scale systems?
Yes. High-power systems present electrical and mechanical hazards. Follow applicable electrical safety standards, workplace regulations, and industry best practices when measuring, installing, or maintaining power equipment.
Sources & citations
- NIST Special Publication 811: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
- BIPM / SI Brochure (International System of Units) — https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure
- ISO 80000 (Quantities and units) overview — https://www.iso.org/standard/64973.html
- IEEE: Professional and technical resources (standards and recommended practices) — https://www.ieee.org
- OSHA: Electrical safety guidance and standards — https://www.osha.gov/electrical
Further resources
Related tools
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: ad9e0b1084e4What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-25 • 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 • 2025-11-25 • 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 25, 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 • 2025-11-25 • 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: 97070cecef14