This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from microohms (µΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Microohm, and Megaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Microohm (µΩ), and Megaohm (MΩ). 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 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.
µΩ to MΩ 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 mega- prefix represents 106 (1,000,000).
To convert microohms (µΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), divide the resistance value in microohms by 1012 (1,000,000,000,000), since 1 megaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000 microohms.
R(MΩ) = R(µΩ) ÷ 1012 = R(µΩ) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000
Or remember the µΩ-to-MΩ conversion factor: 1 µΩ = 10-12 = 0.000000000001 MΩ
µΩ to MΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from micro-ohms (µΩ) to mega-ohms (MΩ). 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) | Megaohms (MΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 µΩ | 0.0000000000001 MΩ |
| 0.5 µΩ | 0.0000000000005 MΩ |
| 1 µΩ | 0.000000000001 MΩ |
| 2 µΩ | 0.000000000002 MΩ |
| 4 µΩ | 0.000000000004 MΩ |
| 5 µΩ | 0.000000000005 MΩ |
| 10 µΩ | 0.00000000001 MΩ |
| 20 µΩ | 0.00000000002 MΩ |
| 30 µΩ | 0.00000000003 MΩ |
| 40 µΩ | 0.00000000004 MΩ |
| 50 µΩ | 0.00000000005 MΩ |
| 60 µΩ | 0.00000000006 MΩ |
| 70 µΩ | 0.00000000007 MΩ |
| 80 µΩ | 0.00000000008 MΩ |
| 90 µΩ | 0.00000000009 MΩ |
| 100 µΩ | 0.0000000001 MΩ |
| 200 µΩ | 0.0000000002 MΩ |
| 500 µΩ | 0.0000000005 MΩ |
| 800 µΩ | 0.0000000008 MΩ |
| 1,000 µΩ | 0.000000001 MΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from microohms to megaohms (µΩ to MΩ).
Example: Secure Hardware-Based Key Storage
Modern encryption systems often use hardware security modules (HSMs) to protect cryptographic keys. These modules include specialized circuits where resistance helps regulate signal integrity and prevent electromagnetic leakage. Multiple microohm-level resistors are strategically placed to create a total resistance in the megaohm range, ensuring minimal interference and secure key storage.
If an encryption hardware module includes 200 resistors, each with a resistance of 6,000,000,000 µΩ, what is the total resistance?
Solution
The total resistance produced by 200 resistors connected in series is:
Since 1 megaohm (MΩ) = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 microohms (µΩ), we can convert 1,200,000,000,000 µΩ to megaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 1,200,000,000,000 µΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 1.2 MΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in microohms: For this example, enter
1,200,000,000,000or12e11into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megaohms:
1.2 MΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 microohm or 1 megaohm larger?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a trillion times bigger than a microohm (µΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MΩ = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 µΩ1 µΩ = 10-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 MΩ
How to convert from microohms to megaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from microohms (µΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in microohms (µΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a trillion (
1,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in megaohms (MΩ).
Why do I need to convert microohms to megaohms?
Converting microohms to megaohms is helpful when you deal with extremely small resistance values that add up to really large totals. Microohms are very small numbers, and when you add many of them together in a circuit, the total resistance may reach a size that is easier to express in megaohms. This conversion makes the numbers simpler to work with and reduces the potential for calculation errors.
For example, if you have a series of resistors whose microohm values add up to 1,000,000,000,000 µΩ, converting that value to megaohms gives you 1 MΩ. Working with 1 MΩ is much clearer than handling a very large number of microohms.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from microohms (µΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric resistance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
