This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to ohms (Ω). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm and Gigaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), and Giga-ohm (GΩ). 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.
GΩ to Ω 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).
To convert gigaohms (GΩ) to ohms (Ω), multiply the resistance value in gigaohms by 109 (1,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000 ohms.
R(Ω) = R(GΩ) × 109 = R(GΩ) × 1,000,000,000
Or remember the GΩ-to-Ω conversion factor: 1 GΩ = 109 = 1,000,000,000 Ω
GΩ to Ω conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from gigaohms (GΩ) to ohms (Ω). 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) | Ohms (Ω) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 GΩ | 100,000,000 Ω |
| 0.5 GΩ | 500,000,000 Ω |
| 1 GΩ | 1,000,000,000 Ω |
| 2 GΩ | 2,000,000,000 Ω |
| 4 GΩ | 4,000,000,000 Ω |
| 5 GΩ | 5,000,000,000 Ω |
| 10 GΩ | 10,000,000,000 Ω |
| 20 GΩ | 20,000,000,000 Ω |
| 30 GΩ | 30,000,000,000 Ω |
| 40 GΩ | 40,000,000,000 Ω |
| 50 GΩ | 50,000,000,000 Ω |
| 60 GΩ | 60,000,000,000 Ω |
| 70 GΩ | 70,000,000,000 Ω |
| 80 GΩ | 80,000,000,000 Ω |
| 90 GΩ | 90,000,000,000 Ω |
| 100 GΩ | 100,000,000,000 Ω |
| 200 GΩ | 200,000,000,000 Ω |
| 500 GΩ | 500,000,000,000 Ω |
| 800 GΩ | 800,000,000,000 Ω |
| 1,000 GΩ | 1,000,000,000,000 Ω |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigaohms to ohms (GΩ to Ω).
Example: High-Voltage Transformer Insulation Testing
A high-voltage transformer undergoes insulation testing, and the measured resistance is 5 GΩ. Converting to ohms helps engineers assess insulation degradation.
If a transformer insulation test records 5 GΩ, what is its resistance in ohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 109 = 1,000,000,000 ohms (Ω), we can convert 5 GΩ to ohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 5 GΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 5,000,000,000 Ω.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigaohms: For this example, enter
5into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in ohms:
5,000,000,000 Ω.
FAQs
Is 1 gigaohm or 1 ohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a billion times bigger than an ohm (Ω). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 109 = 1,000,000,000 Ω1 Ω = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 GΩ
How to convert from gigaohms to ohms?
To convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to ohms (Ω), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in gigaohms (GΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a billion (
109or1,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in ohms (Ω).
Why do I need to convert gigaohms to ohms?
Converting gigaohms to ohms is useful when working with high-voltage insulation testing, semiconductor analysis, and precision diagnostics.
Gigaohms represent extremely high resistance values, but ohms provide a more practical scale for calculations, comparisons, and troubleshooting.
This conversion ensures compatibility with standard electrical formulas, such as Ohm's Law, and helps engineers analyze resistance changes more effectively.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from gigaohms (GΩ) to ohms (Ω). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
