Megavolt to Gigavolt Converter

This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from megavolts (MV) to gigavolts (GV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Volt, Megavolt, and Gigavolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Megavolt (MV) and Gigavolt (GV). 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-millionth megavolts, or 10^-6 MV, or 0.000001 MV.

Definition and illustration of a volt. — What is a Volt? The definition and illustration.

What is Megavolt (MV)?

A megavolt (MV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts (1,000,000 V). Think of it like comparing the height of a building to a mountain. Megavolts help quantify extremely high voltages where standard voltage measurements are impractical.

What is Gigavolt (GV)?

A gigavolt (GV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one billion volts (1,000,000,000 V). This measurement is used in applications involving extreme voltage levels that standard voltage units cannot effectively represent.

MV to GV 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) represents a multiplier of 10⁶ (1,000,000) while the giga- represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000) .

So, to convert from megavolts to gigavolts, divide the number of megavolts (V_(MV)) by 10³ or 1,000.

V_(GV) = V_(MV) ÷ 10³ = V_(MV) ÷ 1,000

\text{V}_\text{(GV)} = \frac{\text{V}_\text{(MV)}}{1{,}000}

Or remember the MV-to-GV conversion factor: 1 MV = 10^-3 = 0.001 GV

MV to GV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from megavolts (MV) to gigavolts (GV). It covers a range from 0.1 MV to 1,000 MV, allowing for easy and quick conversions between both units of measurement.

Megavolts (MV)	Gigavolts (GV)
0.1 MV	0.0001 GV
0.5 MV	0.0005 GV
1 MV	0.001 GV
2 MV	0.002 GV
4 MV	0.004 GV
5 MV	0.005 GV
10 MV	0.01 GV
20 MV	0.02 GV
30 MV	0.03 GV
40 MV	0.04 GV
50 MV	0.05 GV
60 MV	0.06 GV
70 MV	0.07 GV
80 MV	0.08 GV
90 MV	0.09 GV
100 MV	0.1 GV
200 MV	0.2 GV
500 MV	0.5 GV
800 MV	0.8 GV
1,000 MV	1 GV

Megavolts (MV) to gigavolts (GV) conversion table

Examples

Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megavolts to gigavolts (MV to GV).

Example: Modeling Extreme Electrical Discharges

Atmospheric electrical discharges are recorded at megavolt intensities, but gigavolt-scale voltage conversions help meteorologists refine their models of large-scale lightning strikes and storm energy distribution.

If a lightning discharge occurs at 1,880 megavolts, how many gigavolts is that? It is important to analyze the energy propagation of extreme lightning discharges.

Solution

Since 1 gigavolt (GV) = 10³ = 1,000 megavolts (MV), we can convert 1,880 MV to gigavolts by using the following formula:

$$\text{V}_\text{(GV)} = \frac{\text{V}_\text{(MV)}}{1{,}000}$$

$$\text{V}_\text{(GV)} = \frac{1{,}880}{1{,}000} = \boxed{1.88 \text{ GV}}$$

Therefore, the lightning discharge 1,880 MV is equivalent to 1.88 GV.

To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:

Enter the value in megavolts: For this example, enter 1,880 into the From box.
View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigavolts: 1.88 GV.

Megavolt to Gigavolt Converter Icon — Steps to convert from megavolts to gigavolts with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 megavolt or 1 gigavolt larger?

A gigavolt (GV) is a thousand times bigger than a megavolt (MV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GV = 10³ = 1,000 MV
1 MV = 10^-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 GV

How to convert from megavolts to gigavolts?

To convert voltage from megavolts (MV) to gigavolts (GV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in megavolts (MV).
Multiply it by the value of the MV-to-GV conversion factor: 10^-3 or 0.001
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in gigavolts (GV).

Why do I need to convert from megavolts to gigavolts?

Megavolts (MV) represent high voltage levels, while gigavolts (GV) are used for extreme-energy applications such as particle accelerators, lightning research, and space science. Converting megavolts to gigavolts ensures compatibility with ultra-high-voltage systems, allowing engineers and scientists to analyze voltage scaling more effectively.

This conversion is crucial for refining scientific models, optimizing energy containment, and detecting high-energy electrical interactions. Whether studying cosmic radiation effects, calibrating fusion reactors, or modeling lightning discharges, gigavolt-scale data allows for accurate power management and high-energy diagnostics in advanced research environments.

You now know how to convert voltage from megavolts (MV) to gigavolts (GV). To save time for future calculations, you can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units.