Gigaampere to Ampere Converter

This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) to amperes (A). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Ampere and Gigaampere

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A) and Gigaampere (GA). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is Ampere?

The ampere (A) is the SI base unit of electric current, representing the amount of charge flowing through a conductor per second.^[1] It is defined based on the elementary charge (e), where 1 A = 1 coulomb per second (C/s).

"Amp" is an informal abbreviation commonly used in everyday conversation and electrical contexts, though "A" remains the official SI unit symbol.

Ampere Definition and Illustration — What is Ampere? The definition and illustration.

According to SI prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ampere (1 A) is equivalent to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a gigaampere (10^-9 GA or 0.000000001 GA).

What is a Gigaampere?

A gigaampere (GA) is a derived unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billion amperes (1,000,000,000 A).

What is Gigaampere (GA)? — What is a Gigaampere (GA)?

Gigaamperes are used in extreme scenarios, such as theoretical models in astrophysics, high-energy plasma physics, or advanced experimental setups, where it’s necessary to describe incredibly large currents in a compact and understandable way.

GA to A formula

Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.

The giga- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000). So, to convert from gigaamps to amps, multiply the number of gigaamps (I_(GA)) by 10⁹ (1,000,000,000).

I_(A) = I_(GA) × 10⁹ = I_(GA) × 1,000,000,000

\text{I}_\text{(A)} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 10^{9} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 1{,}000{,}000{,}000

Or remember the GA-to-A conversion factor: 1 GA = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 A

GA to A conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) to amperes (A). It covers a range from 0.1 GA to 1,000 GA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Gigaamperes (GA)	Amperes (A)
0.1 GA	100,000,000 A
0.5 GA	500,000,000 A
1 GA	1,000,000,000 A
2 GA	2,000,000,000 A
4 GA	4,000,000,000 A
5 GA	5,000,000,000 A
10 GA	10,000,000,000 A
20 GA	20,000,000,000 A
30 GA	30,000,000,000 A
40 GA	40,000,000,000 A
50 GA	50,000,000,000 A
60 GA	60,000,000,000 A
70 GA	70,000,000,000 A
80 GA	80,000,000,000 A
90 GA	90,000,000,000 A
100 GA	100,000,000,000 A
200 GA	200,000,000,000 A
500 GA	500,000,000,000 A
800 GA	800,000,000,000 A
1,000 GA	1,000,000,000,000 A

Gigaamps to amps (GA to A) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaamperes to amperes (GA to A).

Example: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Testing

EMP generators produce very high-current pulses that are often specified in the gigaampere range. Converting to amperes assists in evaluating the peak power of these pulses for testing and shielding applications.

If an EMP device outputs 0.8 GA, what is the current in amperes? You need it to determine safety margins in the design.

Solution

Since 1 gigaampere (GA) = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 amperes (A), we can convert 0.8 GA to amperes by using the following formula:

$$\text{I}_\text{(A)} = \text{I}_\text{(GA)} \times 10^{9}$$

$$\text{I}_\text{(A)} = 0.8 \times 10^{9} = 800 \times 10^{6} = \boxed{800{,}000{,}000 \text{ A}}$$

Therefore, the 0.8 GA electric current is equivalent to 800,000,000 A.

To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:

Enter the value in gigaamperes: For this example, enter 0.8 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in amperes: 800,000,000 A.

Gigaamperes to Amperes (GA to A) converter example — Steps to convert from gigaamperes to amperes with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 gigaampere or 1 ampere larger?

A gigaampere (GA) is a billion times bigger than an ampere (A). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GA = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 A
1 A = 10^-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 GA

How to convert from gigaamperes to amperes?

To convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to amperes (A), follow these simple steps:

Write down the electric current value in gigaamperes (GA).
Multiply it by the value of a GA-to-A conversion factor: 10⁹ or 1,000,000,000.
The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in amperes (A).

Why do I need to convert gigaamperes to amperes?

Converting from gigaamperes (GA) to amperes (A) is important because most engineering and scientific calculations use amperes as the standard unit of electric current. Although gigaamperes express extremely high current values, converting to amperes (1 GA = 1×10⁹ A) allows for direct comparison with device specifications and measurement tools calibrated in amperes.

This conversion ensures consistency and accuracy in analysis, design, and safety verification across various systems and standards.

You now know how to convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to amperes (A). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.