This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to milliohms (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 Milliohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Gigaohm (GΩ), and Milliohm (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 Milliohm?
A milliohm (mΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of an ohm (10-3 Ω).
It is commonly used in fields such as power distribution, precision electronic testing, and industrial motor evaluation. Accurately measuring very low resistance values is essential for determining the efficiency and reliability of these systems.
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 milli- prefix represents 10-3 (0.001).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to milliohms (mΩ), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 1012 (1,000,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000 milliohms.
R(mΩ) = R(GΩ) × 1012 = R(GΩ) × 1,000,000,000,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-mΩ conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 mΩ
GΩ to mΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to milliohms (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) | Milliohms (mΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GΩ | 100,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 0.5 GΩ | 500,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 1 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 2 GΩ | 2,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 4 GΩ | 4,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 5 GΩ | 5,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 10 GΩ | 10,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 20 GΩ | 20,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 30 GΩ | 30,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 40 GΩ | 40,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 50 GΩ | 50,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 60 GΩ | 60,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 70 GΩ | 70,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 80 GΩ | 80,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 90 GΩ | 90,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 100 GΩ | 100,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 200 GΩ | 200,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 500 GΩ | 500,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 800 GΩ | 800,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
| 1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000 mΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to milliohms (GΩ to mΩ).
Example: Telecommunications Equipment Analysis
A resistor in a telecommunications circuit is measured at 8.2 GΩ. Converting to milliohms helps engineers analyze signal interference sources.
If a telecommunications circuit test records 8.2 GΩ, what is its resistance in milliohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 milliohms (mΩ), we can convert 8.2 GΩ to milliohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 8.2 GΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 8.2×1012(8,200,000,000,000) mΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
8.2into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in milliohms:
8,200,000,000,000 mΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 milliohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a trillion times bigger than a milliohm (mΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 mΩ1 mΩ = 10-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to milliohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to milliohms (mΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a trillion (
1012or1,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in milliohms (mΩ).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to milliohms?
Converting gigaohms to milliohms is useful when analyzing extreme resistance variations in high-voltage insulation testing, semiconductor defect analysis, and precision diagnostics.
Gigaohms represent very high resistance values, but milliohms allow engineers to detect subtle shifts that could indicate insulation breakdown, material degradation, or electrical leakage.
This conversion ensures fine-resolution measurements, making it easier to compare resistance changes across different electrical components.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to milliohms (mΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
