This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from kilovolts (kV) to millivolts (mV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Volt, Millivolt, and Kilovolt
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Kilovolt (kV), and Millivolt (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-thousandth kilovolts, or 10-3 kV, or 0.001 kV.
What is Kilovolt (kV)?
A kilovolt (kV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one thousand volts (1,000 V). Think of it like measuring water pressure in a garden hose versus a fire hydrant. Kilovolts help quantify high-voltage systems where standard voltage measurements are too small to be practical.
What is Millivolt (mV)?
A millivolt (mV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-thousandth (1/1,000) of a volt (0.001 V). It is widely utilized in applications requiring precise measurement of low voltages, such as sensor outputs (e.g., temperature, biomedical devices) and small-scale electronic circuits where minimal electrical signals must be accurately captured and analyzed. Its compact scale makes it ideal for systems sensitive to higher voltage levels.
kV 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 kilo- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 103 (1,000) while the milli- represents a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001) .
So, to convert from kilovolts to millivolts, multiply the number of kilovolts (V(kV)) by 106 or 1,000,000.
V(mV) = V(kV) × 106 = V(kV) × 1,000,000
Or remember the kV-to-mV conversion factor: 1 kV = 106 = 1,000,000 mV
kV to mV conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from kilovolts (kV) to millivolts (mV). It covers a range from 0.1 kV to 1,000 kV, allowing for easy and quick conversions between both units of measurement.
| Kilovolts (kV) | Millivolts (mV) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kV | 100,000 mV |
| 0.5 kV | 500,000 mV |
| 1 kV | 1,000,000 mV |
| 2 kV | 2,000,000 mV |
| 4 kV | 4,000,000 mV |
| 5 kV | 5,000,000 mV |
| 10 kV | 10,000,000 mV |
| 20 kV | 20,000,000 mV |
| 30 kV | 30,000,000 mV |
| 40 kV | 40,000,000 mV |
| 50 kV | 50,000,000 mV |
| 60 kV | 60,000,000 mV |
| 70 kV | 70,000,000 mV |
| 80 kV | 80,000,000 mV |
| 90 kV | 90,000,000 mV |
| 100 kV | 100,000,000 mV |
| 200 kV | 200,000,000 mV |
| 500 kV | 500,000,000 mV |
| 800 kV | 800,000,000 mV |
| 1,000 kV | 1,000,000,000 mV |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kilovolts to millivolts (kV to mV).
Example: Solar Panel Output Testing
Solar power systems generate voltage in kilovolts, but millivolt-scale precision is needed to measure efficiency and minor fluctuations in energy output.
How many millivolts is 5.2 kilovolts to evaluate the fine-scale voltage variation in solar panel performance?
Solution
Since 1 kilovolts (kV) = 1,000,000 millivolts (mV), we can convert 5.2 kV to millivolts by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 5.2 kV output voltage of the solar system is equivalent to 5,200,000 mV.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in kilovolts – For this example, enter
5.2into theFrombox. - View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in millivolts:
5,200,000 mV.
FAQs
Is 1 kilovolt or 1 millivolt larger?
A kilovolt (kV) is a million times bigger than a millivolt (mV). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 kV = 106 = 1,000,000 mV1 mV = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 kV
How to convert from kilovolts to millivolts?
To convert voltage from kilovolts (kV) to millivolts (mV), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the voltage value in
kilovolts (kV). - Multiply it by the value of the
kV-to-mVconversion factor:106or1,000,000. - The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in
millivolts (mV).
Why do I need to convert from kilovolts to millivolts?
Kilovolts (kV) represent high voltage levels, while millivolts (mV) allow for finer precision when analyzing smaller voltage changes. Converting kilovolts to millivolts is necessary in applications such as medical imaging, aerospace systems, and industrial automation, where detailed voltage measurements help optimize equipment performance and ensure accuracy.
This conversion improves readability, supports calibration processes, and allows engineers and researchers to detect subtle fluctuations in electrical systems. Whether refining sensor sensitivity, optimizing energy efficiency, or ensuring stable power distribution, millivolt-scale data provides better insights for precision adjustments.
You now know how to convert voltage from kilovolts (kV) to millivolts (mV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.
