This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from kiloohms (kΩ) to Gigaohms (GΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Kiloohm, and Gigaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Kilo-ohm (kΩ), 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 thousandth (1/1,000) of a kiloohm (10-3 kΩ or 0.001 kΩ).
What is Kiloohm?
A kiloohm (kΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one thousand (1,000) ohms (103 Ω).
It is commonly used in electronics design, industrial sensor calibration, and audio equipment circuitry, where resistor values in the thousands of ohms simplify component labeling, schematic readability, and precision measurements.
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.
kΩ to GΩ 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) corresponds to a multiplier of 103 (1,000) while the giga- prefix represents 109 (1,000,000,000).
To convert kiloohms (kΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), divide the resistance value in kiloohms by 1,000,000, since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000 kiloohms.
R(GΩ) = R(kΩ) ÷ 106 = R(kΩ) ÷ 1,000,000
Or remember the kΩ-to-GΩ conversion factor: 1 kΩ = 10-6 = 0.000001 GΩ
kΩ to GΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from kiloohms (kΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 kΩ to 1,000 kΩ, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Kiloohms (kΩ) | Gigaohms (GΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kΩ | 0.0000001 GΩ |
| 0.5 kΩ | 0.0000005 GΩ |
| 1 kΩ | 0.000001 GΩ |
| 2 kΩ | 0.000002 GΩ |
| 4 kΩ | 0.000004 GΩ |
| 5 kΩ | 0.000005 GΩ |
| 10 kΩ | 0.00001 GΩ |
| 20 kΩ | 0.00002 GΩ |
| 30 kΩ | 0.00003 GΩ |
| 40 kΩ | 0.00004 GΩ |
| 50 kΩ | 0.00005 GΩ |
| 60 kΩ | 0.00006 GΩ |
| 70 kΩ | 0.00007 GΩ |
| 80 kΩ | 0.00008 GΩ |
| 90 kΩ | 0.00009 GΩ |
| 100 kΩ | 0.0001 GΩ |
| 200 kΩ | 0.0002 GΩ |
| 500 kΩ | 0.0005 GΩ |
| 800 kΩ | 0.0008 GΩ |
| 1,000 kΩ | 0.001 GΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kiloohms to gigaohms (kΩ to MΩ).
Example: Solar Panel System Insulation Check
In a renewable energy system, the insulation resistance of a solar panel is measured at 3,000 kΩ. The design documentation requires the measurement in gigaohms for clarity.
What is 3,000 kΩ in gigaohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1,000,000 kiloohms (kΩ), we can convert 3,000 kΩ to gigaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3,000 kΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 0.003 GΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in kiloohms: For this example, enter
3000into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaohms:
0.003 GΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 kiloohm or 1 gigaohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a million times bigger than a kiloohm (kΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MΩ = 106 = 1,000,000 kΩ1 kΩ = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 MΩ
How to convert from kiloohms to gigaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from kiloohms (kΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in kiloohms (kΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a million (
1,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in gigaohms (GΩ).
Why do I need to convert kiloohms to gigaohms?
Converting kiloohms to gigaohms is useful when dealing with extremely high resistance values. Kiloohms are appropriate for moderate values, but in applications such as high-voltage insulation testing, advanced semiconductor evaluations, or research on high-resistance materials, the numbers can be very large. Using gigaohms simplifies these large numbers by reducing the zeros, making the values easier to read, compare, and document.
For example, 1,000,000 kΩ becomes 1 GΩ, which is more manageable in technical reports and simulations.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from kiloohms (kΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
