This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) to milliamperes (mA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Gigaampere, and Milliampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Gigaampere (GA), and Milliampere (mA). 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.
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).
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.
What is a Milliampere?
A milliampere (mA) is a unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of an ampere (0.001 A).
Milliamps are simply amps divided by 1,000, like breaking a dollar into pennies. They’re the standard unit for devices such as phones, LED bulbs, or fitness trackers, where currents are tiny. Milliamps simplify design, troubleshooting, and documentation, keeping numbers clean and reducing errors.
GA to mA 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) while the milli- represents a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001).
So, to convert from gigaamps to milliamps, multiply the number of gigaamps (I(GA)) by 1012 (1,000,000,000,000).
I(mA) = I(GA) × 1012 = I(GA) × 1,000,000,000,000
Or remember the GA-to-mA conversion factor: 1 GA = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 mA
GA to mA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from gigaamperes (GA) to milliamperes (mA). 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) | Milliamperes (mA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GA | 100,000,000,000 mA |
| 0.5 GA | 500,000,000,000 mA |
| 1 GA | 1,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 2 GA | 2,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 4 GA | 4,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 5 GA | 5,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 10 GA | 10,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 20 GA | 20,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 30 GA | 30,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 40 GA | 40,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 50 GA | 50,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 60 GA | 60,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 70 GA | 70,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 80 GA | 80,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 90 GA | 90,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 100 GA | 100,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 200 GA | 200,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 500 GA | 500,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 800 GA | 800,000,000,000,000 mA |
| 1,000 GA | 1,000,000,000,000,000 mA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaamperes to milliamperes (GA to mA).
Example: Intergalactic Magnetic Field Studies
Intergalactic phenomena can involve current levels in the gigaampere range. Converting these currents into milliamperes helps researchers better integrate macroscopic observations with microphysical models.
If an intergalactic event produces 0.16 GA, what is the current in milliamperes? You need it to enhance the precision of simulation parameters.
Solution
Since 1 gigaampere (GA) = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 milliamperes (mA), we can convert 0.16 GA to milliamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 0.16 GA electric current is equivalent to 160,000,000,000 mA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaamperes: For this example, enter
0.16into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in milliamperes:
160,000,000,000 mA.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaampere or 1 milliampere larger?
A gigaampere (GA) is a trillion times bigger than a milliampere (mA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GA = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 mA1 mA = 10-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 GA
How to convert from gigaamperes to milliamperes?
To convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to milliamperes (mA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
gigaamperes (GA). - Multiply it by the value of a
GA-to-mAconversion factor:1012or1,000,000,000,000. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
milliamperes (mA).
Why do I need to convert gigaamperes to milliamperes?
Converting from gigaamperes (GA) to milliamperes (mA) reduces extremely large numbers to a more manageable scale. Since 1 GA equals 1×1012 mA, makes it easier to compare and analyze current values when you are dealing with systems or simulations that require detailed numerical precision.
Additionally, this conversion bridges the gap between the massive currents observed in certain phenomena and the finer resolution of instrumentation or theoretical models often calibrated in milliamperes. It enables researchers and engineers to integrate and communicate data more effectively across different scales, ensuring consistency in reports and calculations.
You now know how to convert electric current from gigaamperes (GA) to milliamperes (mA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
