Microwatts to Gigawatts Converter
Enter the power in microwatts below to convert it to gigawatts.
Convert Microwatts to Gigawatts
Enter a value in microwatts (µW) to convert to gigawatts (GW).
Microwatt to Gigawatt Conversion Table
Table showing various microwatt measurements converted to gigawatts. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
How to Convert Microwatts to Gigawatts
To convert microwatts to gigawatts, multiply the power by the following conversion ratio: 1e-15 gigawatts/microwatt.
Since one microwatt is equal to 1e-15 gigawatts, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The power in gigawatts is equal to the power in microwatts multiplied by 1e-15.
For example, here's how to convert 5 microwatts to gigawatts using the formula above.
How Many Gigawatts Are in a Microwatt?
There are 1e-15 gigawatts in a microwatt, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our microwatt to gigawatt calculator automatically converts your power measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Microwatts and gigawatts are both units used to measure power. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
What Is a Microwatt?
A microwatt is a unit of power equal to 1/1,000,000 of a watt (0.000001 W). One-millionth of a Watt. [1]
The microwatt is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of power. Microwatts can be abbreviated as µW; for example, 1 microwatt can be written as 1 µW.
In the metric system, "micro" is the standard SI prefix for millionths, or 10⁻⁶. This makes the microwatt (µW) a convenient decimal multiple of the watt (W).
In practice, microwatts (µW) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale power measurements within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
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.
When converting power between microwatts (µW) and gigawatts (GW), keep full floating-point precision (1 µW = 1e-15 GW; 1 GW = 1e+15 µW) during intermediate calculations and round only the final gigawatt figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Microwatt & Gigawatt Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our gigawatts to microwatts calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting gigawatts to microwatts, converting watts to horsepower (hp), or converting horsepower (hp) to watts.
Convert from Microwatts
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST SP 811 StandardNIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Power & Radiant Flux))·Power Metrology Standard — Microwatts (µW) to Gigawatts (GW)
- [2]NIST CUU SpecificationNIST CUU (Derived SI Unit: Watt (W))·Unit Specifications: Microwatt (µW) & Gigawatt (GW)
- [3]BIPM ReferenceBIPM (SI Brochure (9th Ed.) — Power)·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (µW to GW)