This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Gigaohm, and Nanoohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Gigaohm (GΩ), and Nanoohm (nΩ). 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 Nanoohm?
A nanoohm (nΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of an ohm (10-9 Ω).
Nanoohms become crucial only in extreme precision fields like superconductor research, quantum computing development, or aerospace material testing, where measuring near-zero resistance down to billionths of an ohm determines success or failure of cutting-edge technology.
GΩ to nΩ 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 nano- prefix represents 10-9 (0.000000001).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 1018 (1,000,000,000,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nanoohms.
R(nΩ) = R(GΩ) × 1018 = R(GΩ) × 1,000,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-nΩ conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ
GΩ to nΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). 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) | Nanoohms (nΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GΩ | 100,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 0.5 GΩ | 500,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 1 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 2 GΩ | 2,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 4 GΩ | 4,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 5 GΩ | 5,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 10 GΩ | 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 20 GΩ | 20,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 30 GΩ | 30,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 40 GΩ | 40,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 50 GΩ | 50,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 60 GΩ | 60,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 70 GΩ | 70,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 80 GΩ | 80,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 90 GΩ | 90,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 100 GΩ | 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 200 GΩ | 200,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 500 GΩ | 500,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 800 GΩ | 800,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to nanoohms (GΩ to nΩ).
Example: High-Precision Medical Equipment Calibration
A medical device manufacturer is calibrating sensitive diagnostic equipment. Resistance values are initially recorded in gigaohms, but converting to nanoohms ensures that even the smallest electrical variations do not interfere with patient diagnostics.
If a medical equipment calibration test records 6 GΩ, what is its resistance in nanoohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nanoohms (nΩ), we can convert 6 GΩ to nanoohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 6 GΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 6×1018(6,000,000,000,000,000,000) nΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
6into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanoohms:
6,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 nanoohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a quintillion times bigger than a nanoohm (nΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ1 nΩ = 10-18 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000000001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to nanoohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a quintillion (
1018or1,000,000,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in nanoohms (nΩ).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to nanoohms?
Converting gigaohms to nanoohms is useful when working with extreme precision measurements in fields such as superconductor research, quantum computing, and aerospace material testing.
Gigaohms represent very high resistance values, but nanoohms allow engineers and scientists to analyze minute variations in conductivity.
This conversion is essential for detecting small resistance changes that could impact performance, ensuring accurate calibration of sensitive instruments, and improving fault detection in advanced electrical systems.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
