
This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to kiloohms (kΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Gigaohm, and Kiloohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω)
, Giga-ohm (GΩ)
, and Kilo-ohm (kΩ)
. Understanding these terms will enable you to perform conversions with confidence.
What is Ohm?
The ohm (Ω) is the SI derived unit of electrical resistance. It is defined as the resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant potential difference of one volt is applied across those points, producing a current of one ampere in the conductor, assuming no additional electromotive force is present.[1]

According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ohm (1 Ω
) is equivalent to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000
) of a gigaohm (10-9 GΩ
or 0.000000001 GΩ)
.

What is Gigaohm?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billion (1,000,000,000
) ohms (109 Ω
).
It is commonly used in fields such as high-voltage engineering, insulation testing for power equipment, and geophysical surveys, where measuring resistance in the billions of ohms is essential to ensure safety, performance, and reliability.
What is Kiloohm?
A kiloohm (kΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one thousand (1,000
) ohms (103 Ω
).
It is commonly used in electronics design, industrial sensor calibration, and audio equipment circuitry, where resistor values in the thousands of ohms simplify component labeling, schematic readability, and precision measurements.


GΩ to kΩ 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) corresponds to a multiplier of 109 (1,000,000,000) while the kilo- prefix represents 103 (1,000).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to kiloohms (kΩ), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 106 (1,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000 kiloohms.
R(kΩ) = R(GΩ) × 106 = R(GΩ) × 1,000,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-kΩ
conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 1,000,000 kΩ
GΩ to kΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to kiloohms (kΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 GΩ
to 1,000 GΩ
, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
Gigaohms (GΩ) | Kiloohms (kΩ) |
---|---|
0.1 GΩ | 100,000 kΩ |
0.5 GΩ | 500,000 kΩ |
1 GΩ | 1,000,000 kΩ |
2 GΩ | 2,000,000 kΩ |
4 GΩ | 4,000,000 kΩ |
5 GΩ | 5,000,000 kΩ |
10 GΩ | 10,000,000 kΩ |
20 GΩ | 20,000,000 kΩ |
30 GΩ | 30,000,000 kΩ |
40 GΩ | 40,000,000 kΩ |
50 GΩ | 50,000,000 kΩ |
60 GΩ | 60,000,000 kΩ |
70 GΩ | 70,000,000 kΩ |
80 GΩ | 80,000,000 kΩ |
90 GΩ | 90,000,000 kΩ |
100 GΩ | 100,000,000 kΩ |
200 GΩ | 200,000,000 kΩ |
500 GΩ | 500,000,000 kΩ |
800 GΩ | 800,000,000 kΩ |
1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000,000 kΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to kiloohms (GΩ to kΩ).
Example: Smart City Infrastructure Sensors
A smart city’s electrical grid sensors measure insulation resistance at 9 GΩ. Converting to kiloohms helps engineers detect early signs of system wear.
If a smart city infrastructure sensor test records 9 GΩ, what is its resistance in kiloohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1,000,000 kiloohms (kΩ), we can convert 9 GΩ
to kiloohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 9 GΩ
electrical resistance is equivalent to 9,000,000 kΩ
.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
9
into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in kiloohms:
9,000,000 kΩ
.

FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 kiloohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a million times bigger than a kiloohm (kΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 106 = 1,000,000 kΩ
1 kΩ = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to kiloohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to kiloohms (kΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a million (
106
or1,000,000
). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in kiloohms (kΩ).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to kiloohms?
Converting gigaohms to kiloohms is useful when working with high-resistance measurements that need to be expressed in a more manageable unit.
Gigaohms represent extremely high resistance values, but kiloohms provide a more practical scale for calculations, comparisons, and troubleshooting.
This conversion ensures compatibility with standard electrical formulas, simplifies resistance analysis, and helps engineers detect subtle insulation changes in various applications.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to kiloohms (kΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.