Megawatts to Watts Converter
Enter the power in megawatts below to convert it to watts.
Convert Megawatts to Watts
Enter a value in megawatts (MW) to convert to watts (W).
Megawatt to Watt Conversion Table
Table showing various megawatt measurements converted to watts. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
How to Convert Megawatts to Watts
To convert megawatts to watts, multiply the power by the following conversion ratio: 1,000,000 watts/megawatt.
Since one megawatt is equal to 1,000,000 watts, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The power in watts is equal to the power in megawatts multiplied by 1,000,000.
For example, here's how to convert 5 megawatts to watts using the formula above.
How Many Watts Are in a Megawatt?
There are 1,000,000 watts in a megawatt, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our megawatt to watt calculator automatically converts your power measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Megawatts and watts 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.
What Is a Watt?
Coherent SI unit of power equal to 1 Joule per second (1 J/s). It serves as a primary reference unit for measuring power across scientific and practical applications. [2]
The watt is classified as an International System of Units (SI) unit of power. Watts can be abbreviated as W; for example, 1 watt can be written as 1 W.
As the primary coherent reference unit for power in this category, all other power units are mathematically anchored to the watt (W).
In practice, watts (W) are widely used across standard power applications within International System of Units (SI) workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting power between megawatts (MW) and watts (W), keep full floating-point precision (1 MW = 1,000,000 W; 1 W = 0.000001 MW) during intermediate calculations and round only the final watt figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Megawatt & Watt Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our watts to megawatts calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting watts to megawatts, converting horsepower (hp) to watts, or converting btu/hr to watts.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST SP 811 StandardNIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Power & Radiant Flux))·Power Metrology Standard — Megawatts (MW) to Watts (W)
- [2]NIST CUU SpecificationNIST CUU (Derived SI Unit: Watt (W))·Unit Specifications: Megawatt (MW) & Watt (W)
- [3]BIPM ReferenceBIPM (SI Brochure (9th Ed.) — Power)·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (MW to W)