Gigavolt to Megavolt Converter

This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from gigavolts (GV) to megavolts (MV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Volt, Gigavolt, and Megavolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Gigavolt (GV) and Megavolt (MV). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is Volt (V)?

A volt (V) is the SI (International System of Units) unit of electric potential and voltage. It measures the difference in electric energy between two points in a circuit. One volt means one ampere of current uses one watt of power.^[1]

According to SI prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, a volt (1 V) is equivalent to one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000) gigavolts, or 10^-9 GV, or 0.000000001 GV.

Definition and illustration of a volt. — What is a Volt? The definition and illustration.

What is Gigavolt (GV)?

A gigavolt (GV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one billion volts (1,000,000,000 V). This measurement is used in applications involving extreme voltage levels that standard voltage units cannot effectively represent.

What is Megavolt (MV)?

A megavolt (MV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts (1,000,000 V). Think of it like comparing the height of a building to a mountain. Megavolts help quantify extremely high voltages where standard volt measurements are impractical.

GV to MV 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) represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000) while the mega- represents a multiplier of 10⁶ (1,000,000).

So, to convert from gigavolts to megavolts, multiply the number of gigavolts (V_(GV)) by 10³ or 1,000.

V_(MV) = V_(GV) × 10³ = V_(GV) × 1,000

\text{V}_\text{(MV)} = \text{V}_\text{(GV)} \times 1{,}000

Or remember the GV-to-MV conversion factor: 1 GV = 10³ = 1,000 MV

GV to MV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from gigavolts (GV) to megavolts (MV). It covers a range from 0.1 GV to 1,000 GV, allowing for easy and quick conversions between both units of measurement.

Gigavolts (GV)	Megavolts (MV)
0.1 GV	100 MV
0.5 GV	500 MV
1 GV	1,000 MV
2 GV	2,000 MV
4 GV	4,000 MV
5 GV	5,000 MV
10 GV	10,000 MV
20 GV	20,000 MV
30 GV	30,000 MV
40 GV	40,000 MV
50 GV	50,000 MV
60 GV	60,000 MV
70 GV	70,000 MV
80 GV	80,000 MV
90 GV	90,000 MV
100 GV	100,000 MV
200 GV	200,000 MV
500 GV	500,000 MV
800 GV	800,000 MV
1,000 GV	1,000,000 MV

Gigavolts (GV) to megavolts (MV) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigavolts to megavolts (GV to MV).

Example: Ultra-High Voltage Grid Integration

Fusion and solar energy facilities generate electricity in gigavolts, but power grids require megavolt conversions to ensure compatibility and efficient transmission.

Your task is to convert 7.21 gigavolts to megavolts to analyze grid efficiency in integrating ultra-high voltage energy sources.

Solution

Since 1 gigavolt (GV) = 10³ = 1,000 megavolts (MV), we can convert 7.21 GV to megavolts by using the following formula:

$$\text{V}_\text{(MV)} = \text{V}_\text{(GV)} \times 1{,}000$$

$$\text{V}_\text{(MV)} = 7.21 \times 1{,}000 = \boxed{7{,}210 \text{ MV}}$$

Therefore, the 7.21 GV is equivalent to 7,210 MV.

To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:

Enter the value in gigavolts: For this example, enter 7.21 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megavolts: 7,210 MV.

Gigavolt to Megavolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from gigavolts to megavolts with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 gigavolt or 1 megavolt larger?

A gigavolt (GV) is a million times bigger than a megavolt (MV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GV = 10³ = 1,000 MV
1 MV = 10^-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 GV

How to convert from gigavolts to megavolts?

To convert voltage from gigavolts (GV) to megavolts (MV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in gigavolts (GV).
Multiply it by the value of the GV-to-MV conversion factor: 10³ or 1,000.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in megavolts (MV).

Why do I need to convert from gigavolts to megavolts?

Gigavolts (GV) represent extremely high voltage levels, while megavolts (MV) provide a more manageable scale for power regulation, diagnostics, and system efficiency. Converting GV to MV is essential in particle physics, aerospace engineering, IT infrastructure, medical technology, and renewable energy, where voltage must be adjusted for stability, compatibility, and precise control.

This conversion ensures accurate calibration, optimized power distribution, and reliable equipment performance in applications like superconducting circuits, spacecraft energy management, data centers, and fusion energy research.

You now know how to convert voltage from gigavolts (GV) to megavolts (MV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.