This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from kiloohms (kΩ) to Megaohms (MΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Kiloohm, and Megaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Kilo-ohm (kΩ), and Mega-ohm (MΩ). 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 Megaohm?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one million (1,000,000) ohms (106 Ω).
It is commonly used in high-voltage insulation testing, medical device safety validation, and industrial sensor design, where measuring extreme resistance up to millions of ohms determines critical safety margins and operational reliability.
kΩ to MΩ 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 mega- prefix represents 106 (1,000,000).
To convert kiloohms (kΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), divide the resistance value in kiloohms by 1,000, since 1 megaohm equals 1,000 kiloohms.
R(MΩ) = R(kΩ) ÷ 103 = R(kΩ) ÷ 1,000
Or remember the kΩ-to-MΩ conversion factor: 1 kΩ = 10-3 = 0.001 MΩ
kΩ to MΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from kiloohms (kΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). 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) | Megaohms (MΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kΩ | 0.0001 MΩ |
| 0.5 kΩ | 0.0005 MΩ |
| 1 kΩ | 0.001 MΩ |
| 2 kΩ | 0.002 MΩ |
| 4 kΩ | 0.004 MΩ |
| 5 kΩ | 0.005 MΩ |
| 10 kΩ | 0.01 MΩ |
| 20 kΩ | 0.02 MΩ |
| 30 kΩ | 0.03 MΩ |
| 40 kΩ | 0.04 MΩ |
| 50 kΩ | 0.05 MΩ |
| 60 kΩ | 0.06 MΩ |
| 70 kΩ | 0.07 MΩ |
| 80 kΩ | 0.08 MΩ |
| 90 kΩ | 0.09 MΩ |
| 100 kΩ | 0.1 MΩ |
| 200 kΩ | 0.2 MΩ |
| 500 kΩ | 0.5 MΩ |
| 800 kΩ | 0.8 MΩ |
| 1,000 kΩ | 1 MΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kiloohms to megaohms (kΩ to MΩ).
Example: Automotive Electronics Testing
An automotive component requires an isolation test and the measured resistance is 500 kΩ. Engineers convert this value to megaohms for consistency.
What is 500 kΩ in megaohms?
Solution
Since 1 megaohm (MΩ) = 1,000 kiloohms (kΩ), we can convert 500 kΩ to megaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 500 kΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 0.5 MΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in kiloohms: For this example, enter
500into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megaohms:
0.5 MΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 kiloohm or 1 megaohm larger?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a thousand times bigger than a kiloohm (kΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MΩ = 103 = 1,000 kΩ1 kΩ = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 MΩ
How to convert from kiloohms to megaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from kiloohms (kΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in kiloohms (kΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a thousand (
1,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in megaohms (MΩ).
Why do I need to convert kiloohms to megaohms?
Converting kiloohms to megaohms is useful when dealing with very high resistance values. Kiloohms are typically used for moderate resistance levels, but in applications such as insulation testing, high-voltage equipment, or semiconductor quality control, resistances may reach levels that are more conveniently expressed in megaohms. Using megaohms helps simplify numbers, making them easier to compare, document, and analyze.
For example, instead of recording 2000 kΩ, which can appear unwieldy, you can express it as 2 MΩ for clarity and consistency in your technical reports.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from kiloohms (kΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
