Convert Watts to Megawatts - Power Converter

This tool converts power values expressed in kilowatts (kW) to megawatts (MW) using the exact SI prefix relationship. It is intended for quick, unambiguous unit conversions used in engineering, grid planning, renewable energy estimates, equipment ratings, and reporting.

The converter implements the fixed mathematical relationship between SI prefixes and provides guidance on appropriate precision, common use cases, and how power units differ from energy units. For measurement traceability and safety considerations consult the standards and regulatory guidance referenced below.

Updated Nov 6, 2025QA PASS — golden 25 / edge 120Run golden-edge-2026-01-23

Governance

Record 344948395a60 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee

Interactive Converter

Convert between kilowatt and megawatt with precision rounding.

Kilowatt (kW)Megawatt (MW)

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

The conversion uses the International System of Units (SI) prefix definitions: kilo (k) = 10^3 and mega (M) = 10^6. Because these are fixed decimal prefixes, the conversion is exact and lossless mathematically.

Recommended presentation of results follows metrology and engineering practice: keep enough significant figures for the context (see IEEE and NIST guidance) and avoid implying measurement accuracy beyond instrument calibration. When using converted values in regulatory filings or safety calculations, follow applicable standards and workplace safety rules.

Accuracy caveats: the numeric conversion is exact, but real-world measurements include instrument uncertainty, rounding, and reporting conventions. For traceable measurements and declared uncertainties, follow NIST and relevant ISO/IEC guidance and document calibration status.

Worked examples

1500 kW = 1500 ÷ 1000 = 1.5 MW.

0.75 kW = 0.75 ÷ 1000 = 0.00075 MW.

500000 kW = 500000 ÷ 1000 = 500 MW.

F.A.Q.

Is the conversion exact or approximate?

The mathematical conversion between kilowatts and megawatts is exact because kilo and mega are defined as decimal SI prefixes (10^3 and 10^6). Any approximation comes from rounding or from measurement uncertainty in the original value.

What is the difference between power (kW, MW) and energy (kWh, MWh)?

Power (watts, kilowatts, megawatts) is a rate of energy transfer at an instant. Energy (watt-hours, kilowatt-hours, megawatt-hours) is the integral of power over time. Do not interchange power and energy units; convert power to energy only by multiplying by a time interval.

How many significant figures should I report?

Report significant figures appropriate to the measurement uncertainty and the decision context. Follow lab or instrument calibration documentation and standards guidance such as NIST or IEEE recommendations. Do not imply greater precision than the original measurement supports.

Are there safety or regulatory considerations when using converted values?

Yes. Use converted values in safety calculations or regulatory reports only after ensuring measurement traceability, calibration status, and compliance with applicable standards and workplace rules. Refer to electrical safety regulations and industry standards for thresholds and reporting requirements.

What symbols are standard for these units?

The standard symbols are kW for kilowatt and MW for megawatt. Use uppercase M for mega and lowercase k for kilo following SI conventions.

Sources & citations

NIST Guide to the SI (U.S. version and measurement guidance) — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
BIPM SI Brochure (International System of Units and prefixes) — https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure
OSHA Electrical Safety and related workplace guidance — https://www.osha.gov/electrical
IEEE guidance for engineering reporting and unit usage — https://www.ieee.org
ISO 80000-4:2019 — Mechanics — https://www.iso.org/standard/64975.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: 344948395a60

What changed (latest)

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-06 • 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

Governance

Last updated: Nov 6, 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 • 2025-11-06 • 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: 5c68d66a7977