This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from gigavolts (GV) to nanovolts (nV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Volt, Gigavolt, and Nanovolt
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V)
, Gigavolt (GV)
and Nanovolt (nV)
. 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 (1/1000,000,000)
gigavolts, or 10-9 GV
, or 0.000000001 GV
.

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 Nanovolt (nV)?
A nanovolt (nV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000
) of a volt (10-9 V
). It is primarily used in high-precision electrical measurements, such as scientific instrumentation, quantum electronics, and sensitive signal detection, where extremely small voltage variations must be accurately captured and analyzed.

Its ultra-small scale makes it essential for applications requiring minimal interference and precise voltage control.
GV to nV 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 nano-
represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001)
.
So, to convert from gigavolts to nanovolts, multiply the number of gigavolts (V(GV)
) by 1018
or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000
.
V(nV) = V(GV) × 1018 = V(GV) × 1,000,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the GV-to-nV
conversion factor: 1 GV = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV
GV to nV conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from gigavolts (GV) to nanovolts (nV). 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) | Nanovolts (nV) |
---|---|
0.1 GV | 100,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
0.5 GV | 500,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
1 GV | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
2 GV | 2,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
4 GV | 4,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
5 GV | 5,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
10 GV | 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
20 GV | 20,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
30 GV | 30,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
40 GV | 40,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
50 GV | 50,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
60 GV | 60,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
70 GV | 70,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
80 GV | 80,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
90 GV | 90,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
100 GV | 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
200 GV | 200,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
500 GV | 500,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
800 GV | 800,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
1,000 GV | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigavolts to nanovolts (GV to nV).
Example: Measuring Ultra-Fine Energy Shifts
High-energy particle accelerators generate beam energy in gigavolts, but researchers need nanovolt-scale precision to detect ultra-fine shifts in subatomic particle interactions that influence quantum mechanics experiments.
If an accelerator operates at 2.5 gigavolts, how many nanovolts is that? You need it to analyze small voltage fluctuations affecting particle behavior in a collider system.
Solution
Since 1 gigavolt (GV) = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nanovolts (nV)
, we can convert 2.5 GV
to nanovolts by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 2.5 GV
output voltage of the accelerator is equivalent to 2,500,000,000,000,000,000 nV
.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in gigavolts: For this example, enter
2.5
into theFrom
box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanovolts:
2,500,000,000,000,000,000 nV
.

FAQs
Is 1 gigavolt or 1 nanovolt larger?
A gigavolt (GV) is a quintillion times bigger than a nanovolt (nV). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GV = 1018 = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV
1 nV = 10-18 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000000001 GV
How to convert from gigavolts to nanovolts?
To convert voltage from gigavolts (GV) to nanovolts (nV), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the voltage value in
gigavolts (GV)
. - Multiply it by the value of the
GV-to-nV
conversion factor:1018
or1,000,000,000,000,000,000
. - The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in
nanovolts (nV)
.
Why do I need to convert from gigavolts to nanovolts?
Gigavolts (GV) represent extreme high voltage, while nanovolts (nV) allow for detecting tiny electrical variations. Converting GV to nV is crucial in particle physics, aerospace engineering, quantum computing, and medical imaging to analyze subtle voltage shifts, refine system precision, and enhance diagnostics.
This conversion improves computational efficiency, scientific modeling, and performance monitoring in high-energy environments like cosmic radiation studies, superconducting circuits, and space instrumentation.
You now know how to convert voltage from gigavolts (GV) to nanovolts (nV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.