How do you convert megawatts to gigawatts?

To convert megawatts (MW) to gigawatts (GW), multiply the power in megawatts by 0.001 (gigawatts = megawatts × 0.001).

What is 5 megawatts in gigawatts?

5 megawatts (5 MW) is equal to 0.005 gigawatts (0.005 GW).

Which is larger, 1 megawatt (MW) or 1 gigawatt (GW)?

One gigawatt (GW) is larger than one megawatt (MW). Specifically, 1 GW equals 1,000 MW, while 1 MW is 0.001 GW.

How do I convert back from gigawatts (GW) to megawatts (MW)?

To reverse the calculation from GW to MW, multiply your gigawatt value by the inverse factor 1,000 (or divide by 0.001). You can also click the Swap button in the tool above to flip directions in one click.

How many decimal places should I round MW to GW results to?

For everyday comparisons and quick estimates, rounding to 2 decimal places is usually sufficient (for example, 5 MW ≈ 0.01 GW). For engineering, laboratory, or machining specifications, select 4 or 6 decimals—or Scientific (10ⁿ) mode—in the calculator toolbar above.

Megawatts to Gigawatts Converter

Enter the power in megawatts below to convert it to gigawatts.

Gigawatts to Megawatts (GW → MW)

Convert Megawatts to Gigawatts

Enter a value in megawatts (MW) to convert to gigawatts (GW).

Value (MW)

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0.005gigawatts

5 MW = 0.005 GW

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Suggested Conversions

Reference:NIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Power & Radiant Flux))

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Megawatt to Gigawatt Conversion Table

Table showing various megawatt measurements converted to gigawatts. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.

Megawatts (MW)	Gigawatts (GW)
1 MW	0.001 GW
2 MW	0.002 GW
2.5 MW	0.0025 GW
5 MW	0.005 GW
10 MW	0.01 GW
15 MW	0.015 GW
20 MW	0.02 GW
25 MW	0.025 GW
30 MW	0.03 GW
50 MW	0.05 GW

How to Convert Megawatts to Gigawatts

To convert megawatts to gigawatts, multiply the power by the following conversion ratio: 0.001 gigawatts/megawatt.

Since one megawatt is equal to 0.001 gigawatts, you can use this simple formula to convert:

gigawatts = megawatts × 0.001

The power in gigawatts is equal to the power in megawatts multiplied by 0.001.

For example, here's how to convert 5 megawatts to gigawatts using the formula above.

gigawatts = (5 MW × 0.001) = 0.005 GW

How Many Gigawatts Are in a Megawatt?

There are 0.001 gigawatts in a megawatt, which is why we use this value in the formula above.

1 MW = 0.001 GW|1 GW = 1,000 MW

Our megawatt to gigawatt calculator automatically converts your power measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.

Megawatts and gigawatts are both units used to measure power. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.

What Is a Megawatt?

A megawatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000,000 watts (W), the base unit for power. Equal to 1,000,000 Watts (1,000 kW). [1]

The megawatt is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of power. Megawatts can be abbreviated as MW; for example, 1 megawatt can be written as 1 MW.

In the metric system, "mega" is the standard SI prefix for millions, or 10⁶. This makes the megawatt (MW) a convenient decimal multiple of the watt (W).

In practice, megawatts (MW) are widely used across large-scale industrial, bulk, and macro-level power specifications within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.

Learn more about megawatts in our Power Converter.

What Is a Gigawatt?

A gigawatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000,000,000 watts (W), the base unit for power. Equal to 1,000,000,000 Watts (1,000 MW). [2]

The gigawatt is classified as an International System of Units (SI) unit of power. Gigawatts can be abbreviated as GW; for example, 1 gigawatt can be written as 1 GW.

In the metric system, "giga" is the standard SI prefix for billions, or 10⁹. This makes the gigawatt (GW) a convenient decimal multiple of the watt (W).

In practice, gigawatts (GW) are widely used across large-scale industrial, bulk, and macro-level power specifications within International System of Units (SI) workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.

Learn more about gigawatts in our Power Converter.

When converting power between megawatts (MW) and gigawatts (GW), keep full floating-point precision (1 MW = 0.001 GW; 1 GW = 1,000 MW) during intermediate calculations and round only the final gigawatt figure to match your instrument tolerance.

More Megawatt & Gigawatt Conversions

Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our gigawatts to megawatts calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting gigawatts to megawatts, converting megawatts to kilowatts, or converting watts to horsepower (hp).

Convert from Megawatts

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are 0.001 gigawatts (GW) in 1 megawatt (MW). Conversely, 1 gigawatt (GW) is equal to 1,000 megawatts (MW).

Power Converter

Quick Info

Direct Factor: 1 megawatt (MW) equals 0.001 gigawatts (GW).
Inverse Factor: 1 gigawatt (GW) equals 1,000 megawatts (MW).
Formula: gigawatts = megawatts ÷ 1000.
Verified Precision: Anchored to official NIST SP 811 and ISO/IEC 80000 standards.

Units Comparison

Megawatt (MW)

Equal to 1,000,000 Watts (1,000 kW).

Gigawatt (GW)

Equal to 1,000,000,000 Watts (1,000 MW).

Watt (W)

Coherent SI unit of power equal to 1 Joule per second (1 J/s).

References

[1]NIST SP 811 · NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Power & Radiant Flux)
Source
[2]NIST CUU · Derived SI Unit: Watt (W)
Source
[3]BIPM · SI Brochure (9th Ed.) — Power
Source

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References

NIST · BIPM · ISO

[1]
NIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Power & Radiant Flux))·Power Metrology Standard — Megawatts (MW) to Gigawatts (GW)
NIST SP 811 Standard
[2]
NIST CUU (Derived SI Unit: Watt (W))·Unit Specifications: Megawatt (MW) & Gigawatt (GW)
NIST CUU Specification
[3]
BIPM (SI Brochure (9th Ed.) — Power)·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (MW to GW)
BIPM Reference

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