This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to microohms (µΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Gigaohm, and Microohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Gigaohm (GΩ), and Microohm (µΩ). 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 Microohm?
A microohm (µΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of an ohm (10-6 Ω).
It is vital for detecting hidden flaws in high-stakes systems like EV batteries, power grids, and industrial motors. Even a fraction of extra resistance here can cause overheating, energy waste, or catastrophic failures.
GΩ to µΩ 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 micro- prefix represents 10-6 (0.000001).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to microohms (µΩ), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 1015 (1,000,000,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000,000 microohms.
R(µΩ) = R(GΩ) × 1015 = R(GΩ) × 1,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-µΩ conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ
GΩ to µΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to microohms (µΩ). 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) | Microohms (µΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GΩ | 100,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 0.5 GΩ | 500,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 1 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 2 GΩ | 2,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 4 GΩ | 4,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 5 GΩ | 5,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 10 GΩ | 10,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 20 GΩ | 20,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 30 GΩ | 30,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 40 GΩ | 40,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 50 GΩ | 50,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 60 GΩ | 60,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 70 GΩ | 70,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 80 GΩ | 80,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 90 GΩ | 90,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 100 GΩ | 100,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 200 GΩ | 200,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 500 GΩ | 500,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 800 GΩ | 800,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
| 1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to microohms (GΩ to µΩ).
Example: Fiber-Optic Signal Integrity Testing
A telecom company tests fiber-optic insulation and records 7.5 GΩ. Converting to microohms helps identify signal leakage paths.
If a fiber-optic insulation test records 7.5 GΩ, what is its resistance in microohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 microohms (µΩ), we can convert 7.5 GΩ to microohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 7.5 GΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 7.5×1015(7,500,000,000,000,000) µΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
7.5into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in microohms:
7,500,000,000,000,000 µΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 microohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a quintillion times bigger than a microohm (µΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ1 µΩ = 10-15 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to microohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to microohms (µΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a quadrillion (
1015or1,000,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in microohms (µΩ).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to microohms?
Converting gigaohms to microohms is useful in advanced scenarios where extreme shifts in resistance need to be measured on a single scale.
For example, detecting transitions in superconductors, analyzing quantum circuits, or identifying insulation breakdown in sensitive electronics.
This conversion allows scientists and engineers to track massive resistance changes with high precision, compare values consistently, and model performance across vastly different electrical states.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to microhms (µΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
