This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from megavolts (MV) to nanovolts (nV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Volt, Megavolt, and Nanovolt
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Megavolt (MV) and Nanovolt (nV). 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.
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 volt measurements are impractical.
What is Nanovolt (nV)?
A nanovolt (nV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a volt (10-9 V). It is primarily used in high-precision electrical measurements, such as scientific instrumentation, quantum electronics, and sensitive signal detection, where extremely small voltage variations must be accurately captured and analyzed.
Its ultra-small scale makes it essential for applications requiring minimal interference and precise voltage control.
MV to nV 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 nano- represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001) .
So, to convert from megavolts to nanovolts, multiply the number of megavolts (V(MV)) by 1015 or 1,000,000,000,000,000.
V(nV) = V(MV) × 1015 = V(MV) × 1,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the MV-to-nV conversion factor: 1 MV = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nV
MV to nV conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from megavolts (MV) to nanovolts (nV). 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) | Nanovolts (nV) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MV | 100,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 0.5 MV | 500,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 1 MV | 1,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 2 MV | 2,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 4 MV | 4,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 5 MV | 5,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 10 MV | 10,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 20 MV | 20,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 30 MV | 30,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 40 MV | 40,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 50 MV | 50,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 60 MV | 60,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 70 MV | 70,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 80 MV | 80,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 90 MV | 90,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 100 MV | 100,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 200 MV | 200,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 500 MV | 500,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 800 MV | 800,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
| 1,000 MV | 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 nV |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megavolts to nanovolts (MV to nV).
Example: Measuring Subatomic Energy Variations
High-energy particle accelerators generate megavolt-scale power, but researchers analyzing subatomic interactions need nanovolt-level sensitivity to detect minor energy shifts affecting quantum mechanics experiments.
If an accelerator operates at 3.2 megavolts, how many nanovolts is that for assessing tiny voltage variations influencing particle behavior in a collider system?
Solution
Since 1 megavolt (MV) = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nanovolts (nV), we can convert 3.2 MV to nanovolts by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3.2 MV output voltage of the accelerator is equivalent to 3,200,000,000,000,000 nV.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in megavolts – For this example, enter
3.2into theFrombox. - View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanovolts:
3,200,000,000,000,000 nV.
FAQs
Is 1 megavolt or 1 nanovolt larger?
A megavolt (MV) is a quadrilion times bigger than a nanovolt (nV). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MV = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nV1 nV = 10-15 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000001 MV
How to convert from megavolts to nanovolts?
To convert voltage from megavolts (MV) to nanovolts (nV), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the voltage value in
megavolts (MV). - Multiply it by the value of the
MV-to-nVconversion factor:1015or1,000,000,000,000,000. - The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in
nanovolts (nV).
Why do I need to convert from megavolts to nanovolts?
Megavolts (MV) represent extremely high voltage levels, while nanovolts (nV) measure tiny electrical variations. Converting from megavolts to nanovolts is necessary in fields such as particle physics, aerospace engineering, and quantum computing, where micro-scale precision is required to detect minor fluctuations within high-energy systems.
This conversion allows scientists and engineers to refine data accuracy, analyze subtle electrical changes, and ensure system stability in advanced research and technology. Whether measuring radiation exposure, optimizing spacecraft electronics, or studying superconducting circuits, nanovolt-scale readings provide essential insights for precision control.
You now know how to convert voltage from megavolts (MV) to nanovolts (nV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.
