Microwatts to Milliwatts Converter
Enter the power in microwatts below to convert it to milliwatts.
Convert Microwatts to Milliwatts
Enter a value in microwatts (µW) to convert to milliwatts (mW).
Microwatt to Milliwatt Conversion Table
Table showing various microwatt measurements converted to milliwatts. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
How to Convert Microwatts to Milliwatts
To convert microwatts to milliwatts, multiply the power by the following conversion ratio: 0.001 milliwatts/microwatt.
Since one microwatt is equal to 0.001 milliwatts, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The power in milliwatts is equal to the power in microwatts multiplied by 0.001.
For example, here's how to convert 5 microwatts to milliwatts using the formula above.
How Many Milliwatts Are in a Microwatt?
There are 0.001 milliwatts in a microwatt, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our microwatt to milliwatt calculator automatically converts your power measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Microwatts and milliwatts 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 Milliwatt?
A milliwatt is a unit of power equal to 1/1,000 of a watt (0.001 W). One-thousandth of a Watt. [2]
The milliwatt is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of power. Milliwatts can be abbreviated as mW; for example, 1 milliwatt can be written as 1 mW.
In the metric system, "milli" is the standard SI prefix for thousandths, or 10⁻³. This makes the milliwatt (mW) a convenient decimal multiple of the watt (W).
In practice, milliwatts (mW) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale power measurements within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting power between microwatts (µW) and milliwatts (mW), keep full floating-point precision (1 µW = 0.001 mW; 1 mW = 1,000 µW) during intermediate calculations and round only the final milliwatt figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Microwatt & Milliwatt Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our milliwatts to microwatts calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting milliwatts to microwatts, converting watts to horsepower (hp), or converting horsepower (hp) to watts.
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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 Milliwatts (mW)
- [2]NIST CUU SpecificationNIST CUU (Derived SI Unit: Watt (W))·Unit Specifications: Microwatt (µW) & Milliwatt (mW)
- [3]BIPM ReferenceBIPM (SI Brochure (9th Ed.) — Power)·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (µW to mW)