This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Gigaohm, and Megaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Giga-ohm (GΩ), and Mega-ohm (MΩ). 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 Megaohm?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one million (1,000,000) ohms (106 Ω).
It is commonly used in high-voltage insulation testing, medical device safety validation, and industrial sensor design, where measuring extreme resistance up to millions of ohms determines critical safety margins and operational reliability.
GΩ to MΩ 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 mega- prefix represents 106 (1,000,000).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 1,000, since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000 megaohms.
R(MΩ) = R(GΩ) × 1,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-MΩ conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 1,000 MΩ
GΩ to MΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). 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) | Megaohms (MΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GΩ | 100 MΩ |
| 0.5 GΩ | 500 MΩ |
| 1 GΩ | 1,000 MΩ |
| 2 GΩ | 2,000 MΩ |
| 4 GΩ | 4,000 MΩ |
| 5 GΩ | 5,000 MΩ |
| 10 GΩ | 10,000 MΩ |
| 20 GΩ | 20,000 MΩ |
| 30 GΩ | 30,000 MΩ |
| 40 GΩ | 40,000 MΩ |
| 50 GΩ | 50,000 MΩ |
| 60 GΩ | 60,000 MΩ |
| 70 GΩ | 70,000 MΩ |
| 80 GΩ | 80,000 MΩ |
| 90 GΩ | 90,000 MΩ |
| 100 GΩ | 100,000 MΩ |
| 200 GΩ | 200,000 MΩ |
| 500 GΩ | 500,000 MΩ |
| 800 GΩ | 800,000 MΩ |
| 1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000 MΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to megaohms (GΩ to MΩ).
Example: Deep-Sea Exploration Equipment
A deep-sea exploration vehicle’s electrical system undergoes insulation testing, measuring 3.2 GΩ. Converting to megaohms helps engineers detect early signs of seawater intrusion.
If a deep-sea vehicle insulation test records 3.2 GΩ, what is its resistance in megaohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1,000 megaohms (MΩ), we can convert 3.2 GΩ to megaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3.2 GΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 3,200 MΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
3.2into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megaohms:
3,200 MΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 megaohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a thousand times bigger than a megaohm (MΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 103 = 1,000 MΩ1 MΩ = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to megaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a thousand (
1,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in megaohms (MΩ).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to megaohms?
Converting gigaohms to megaohms 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 megaohms 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 megaohms (MΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
