This article will show how to convert electric current measurement units from kiloamperes (kA) to gigaamperes (GA). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ampere, Kiloampere, and Gigaampere
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ampere (A), Kiloampere (kA), and Gigaampere (GA). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is Ampere?
The ampere (A) is the SI base unit of electric current, representing the amount of charge flowing through a conductor per second.[1] It is defined based on the elementary charge (e), where 1 A = 1 coulomb per second (C/s).
"Amp" is an informal abbreviation commonly used in everyday conversation and electrical contexts, though "A" remains the official SI unit symbol.
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ampere (1 A) is equivalent to one thousandth (1/1,000) of a kiloamperes (10-6 kA or 0.001 kA).
What is a Kiloampere?
A kiloampere (kA) is a derived unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one thousand ampere (1,000 A).
It is typically used in high-power applications and industrial contexts where currents are on a much larger scale than what is encountered in everyday electronic devices. For instance, large-scale power generation, electrical transmission systems, and heavy industrial processes often involve currents measured in kiloamperes.
What is a Gigaampere?
A gigaampere (GA) is a derived unit of electric current in the SI system equal to one billion amperes (1,000,000,000 A).
Gigaamperes are used in extreme scenarios, such as theoretical models in astrophysics, high-energy plasma physics, or advanced experimental setups, where it’s necessary to describe incredibly large currents in a compact and understandable way.
kA to GA 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 kilo- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 103 (1,000) while the giga- represents a multiplier of 109 (1,000,000,000).
So, to convert from kiloamps to gigaamps, divide the number of kiloamps (I(kA)) by 106 (1,000,000).
I(GA) = I(kA) ÷ 106 = I(kA) ÷ 1,000,000
Or remember the kA-to-GA conversion factor: 1 kA = 10-6 = 1/1,000,000 = 0.000001 GA
kA to GA conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electric current measurement units from kiloamperes (kA) to gigaamperes (GA). It covers a range from 0.1 kA to 1,000 kA, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Kiloamperes (kA) | Gigaamperes (GA) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kA | 0.0000001 GA |
| 0.5 kA | 0.0000005 GA |
| 1 kA | 0.000001 GA |
| 2 kA | 0.000002 GA |
| 4 kA | 0.000004 GA |
| 5 kA | 0.000005 GA |
| 10 kA | 0.00001 GA |
| 20 kA | 0.00002 GA |
| 30 kA | 0.00003 GA |
| 40 kA | 0.00004 GA |
| 50 kA | 0.00005 GA |
| 60 kA | 0.00006 GA |
| 70 kA | 0.00007 GA |
| 80 kA | 0.00008 GA |
| 90 kA | 0.00009 GA |
| 100 kA | 0.0001 GA |
| 200 kA | 0.0002 GA |
| 500 kA | 0.0005 GA |
| 800 kA | 0.0008 GA |
| 1,000 kA | 0.001 GA |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kiloamperes to gigaamperes (kA to GA).
Example: Electric Propulsion System Testing
High-power electric thrusters for spacecraft operate on currents in the kiloampere range to generate thrust. When performing system-wide energy efficiency analyses, engineers convert these currents to gigaamperes to match macro-scale energy models.
This conversion provides an overall perspective of the propulsion system's energy demands. If a thruster draws 4,000 kA, what is its current in gigaamperes? You need it to integrate fine-tuned thrust data with system-level power management reports.
Solution
Since 1 gigaampere (GA) = 106 = 1,000,000 kiloamperes (kA), we can convert 4,000 kA to gigaamperes by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 4,000 kA electric current is equivalent to 0.004 GA.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in kiloamperes: For this example, enter
4,000into theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaamperes:
0.004 GA.
FAQs
Is 1 kiloampere or 1 gigaampere larger?
A gigaampere (GA) is a million times bigger than a kiloampere (kA). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GA = 106 = 1,000,000 kA1 kA = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 GA
How to convert from kiloamperes to gigaamperes?
To convert electric current from kiloamperes (kA) to gigaamperes (GA), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the electric current value in
kiloamperes (kA). - Multiply it by the value of a
kA-to-GAconversion factor:10-6or1/1,000,000or0.000001. - The result of multiplication is the value of the electric current in
gigaamperes (GA).
Why do I need to convert kiloamperes to gigaamperes?
Converting kiloamperes to gigaamperes simplifies very large current values by expressing them in a more concise, macro-scale unit. Rather than working with numbers in the thousands (kiloamperes), using gigaamperes allows you to easily integrate such high-level data with overall energy models and large-scale system analyses.
This conversion is particularly useful for applications like regional power distribution and grid optimization, where a unified and simplified current measurement streamlines the comparison of different energy flows and system components.
You now know how to convert electric current from kiloamperes (kA) to gigaamperes (GA). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric current measurement units to save time for future calculations.
