This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from microohms (µΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Microohm, and Gigaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Microohm (µΩ), and Gigaohm (GΩ). 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 million microohms (106 µΩ or 1,000,000 µΩ).
What is Microohm?
A microohm (µΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of an ohm (10-6 Ω).
It is vital for detecting hidden flaws in high-stakes systems like EV batteries, power grids, and industrial motors. Even a fraction of extra resistance here can cause overheating, energy waste, or catastrophic failures.
What is Gigaohm?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billion (1,000,000,000) ohms (109 Ω).
It is commonly used in fields such as high-voltage engineering, insulation testing for power equipment, and geophysical surveys, where measuring resistance in the billions of ohms is essential to ensure safety, performance, and reliability.
µΩ to GΩ 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 micro- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-6 (0.000001) while the giga- prefix represents 109 (1,000,000,000).
To convert microohms (µΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), divide the resistance value in microohms by 1015 (1,000,000,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000,000 microohms.
R(GΩ) = R(µΩ) ÷ 1015 = R(µΩ) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the µΩ-to-GΩ conversion factor: 1 µΩ = 10-15 = 0.000000000000001 GΩ
µΩ to GΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from micro-ohms (µΩ) to giga-ohms (GΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 µΩ to 1,000 µΩ, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Microohms (µΩ) | Gigaohms (GΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 µΩ | 0.0000000000000001 GΩ |
| 0.5 µΩ | 0.0000000000000005 GΩ |
| 1 µΩ | 0.000000000000001 GΩ |
| 2 µΩ | 0.000000000000002 GΩ |
| 4 µΩ | 0.000000000000004 GΩ |
| 5 µΩ | 0.000000000000005 GΩ |
| 10 µΩ | 0.00000000000001 GΩ |
| 20 µΩ | 0.00000000000002 GΩ |
| 30 µΩ | 0.00000000000003 GΩ |
| 40 µΩ | 0.00000000000004 GΩ |
| 50 µΩ | 0.00000000000005 GΩ |
| 60 µΩ | 0.00000000000006 GΩ |
| 70 µΩ | 0.00000000000007 GΩ |
| 80 µΩ | 0.00000000000008 GΩ |
| 90 µΩ | 0.00000000000009 GΩ |
| 100 µΩ | 0.0000000000001 GΩ |
| 200 µΩ | 0.0000000000002 GΩ |
| 500 µΩ | 0.0000000000005 GΩ |
| 800 µΩ | 0.0000000000008 GΩ |
| 1,000 µΩ | 0.000000000001 GΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from microohms to gigaohms (µΩ to GΩ).
Example: Semiconductor Diode Reverse Leakage Testing
When evaluating high-quality semiconductor diodes, the reverse leakage resistance can be extremely high to minimize current flow. The measurement might be taken as a large number in microohms and then converted to gigaohms for clarity.
If a diode shows a resistance of 3,500,000,000,000,000 (3.5×1015) µΩ, what is its value in gigaohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 microohms (µΩ), we can convert 3,500,000,000,000,000 µΩ to gigaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 3,500,000,000,000,000 µΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 3.5 GΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in microohms: For this example, enter
3,500,000,000,000,000or35e14into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaohms:
3.5 GΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 microohm or 1 gigaohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a quadrillion times bigger than a microohm (µΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ1 µΩ = 10-15 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000001 GΩ
How to convert from microohms to gigaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from microohms (µΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in microohms (µΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a quadrillion (
1,000,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in gigaohms (GΩ).
Why do I need to convert microohms to gigaohms?
Converting microohms to gigaohms simplifies extremely large resistance values, making them more manageable and easier to understand. For instance, an insulation resistance measured as 5,000,000,000,000,000 µΩ becomes 5 GΩ after conversion, aligning with industry standards, reducing the risk of rounding errors, and improving clarity in documentation and communication among engineers.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from microohms (µΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between electric resistance measurement units, saving time for future calculations.
