This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from megaohms (MΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Megaohm, and Nanoohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Megaohm (MΩ), and Nanoohm (nΩ). 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 millionth (1/1,000,000) of a megaohm (10-6 MΩ or 0.000001 MΩ).
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.
What is Nanoohm?
A nanoohm (nΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of an ohm (10-9 Ω).
Nanoohms become crucial only in extreme precision fields like superconductor research, quantum computing development, or aerospace material testing, where measuring near-zero resistance down to billionths of an ohm determines success or failure of cutting-edge technology.
MΩ to nΩ 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 mega- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 106 (1,000,000) while the nano- prefix represents 10-9 (0.000000001).
To convert megaohms (MΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ), multiply the resistance value in megaohms by 1015 (1,000,000,000,000,000), since 1 megaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000,000 nanoohms.
R(nΩ) = R(MΩ) × 1015 = R(MΩ) × 1,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the MΩ-to-nΩ conversion factor: 1 MΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ
MΩ to nΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from megaohms (MΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 MΩ to 1,000 MΩ, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Megaohms (MΩ) | Nanoohms (nΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MΩ | 100,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 0.5 MΩ | 500,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 1 MΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 2 MΩ | 2,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 4 MΩ | 4,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 5 MΩ | 5,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 10 MΩ | 10,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 20 MΩ | 20,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 30 MΩ | 30,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 40 MΩ | 40,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 50 MΩ | 50,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 60 MΩ | 60,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 70 MΩ | 70,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 80 MΩ | 80,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 90 MΩ | 90,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 100 MΩ | 100,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 200 MΩ | 200,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 500 MΩ | 500,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 800 MΩ | 800,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
| 1,000 MΩ | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megaohms to nanoohms (MΩ to nΩ).
Example: Renewable Energy System Insulation Check
Solar panels and wind turbines require high insulation resistance to maintain efficiency. Resistance values recorded in megaohms are converted to nanoohms for detailed performance evaluation.
If a solar panel insulation test records 3.3 MΩ, what is its resistance in nanoohms?
Solution
Since 1 megaohm (MΩ) = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nanoohms (nΩ), we can convert 3.3 MΩ to nanoohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3.3 MΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 3,300,000,000,000,000 nΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in megaohms: For this example, enter
3.3into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanoohms:
3,300,000,000,000,000 nΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 megaohm or 1 nanoohm larger?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a quadrillion times bigger than a nanoohm (nΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ1 nΩ = 10-15 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000001 MΩ
How to convert from megaohms to nanoohms?
To convert electrical resistance from megaohms (MΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in megaohms (MΩ).
- Step 2: Multiply it by a quadrillion (
1015or1,000,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in nanoohms (nΩ).
Why do I need to convert megaohms to nanoohms?
Converting megaohms to nanoohms is useful when working with extremely high resistance values that need to be expressed in a more precise format.
Megaohms are commonly used in insulation testing and high-voltage applications, but nanoohms provide finer resolution for detailed analysis in semiconductor testing, superconducting materials, and aerospace electronics. This conversion ensures compatibility with instruments that measure resistance at a much smaller scale, helping engineers and researchers maintain accuracy in their calculations.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from megaohms (MΩ) to nanoohms (nΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
