This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from milliohms (mΩ) 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, Milliohm, and Gigaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Milli-ohm (mΩ), and Giga-ohm (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 thousand milliohms (103 mΩ or 1,000 mΩ).
What is Milliohm?
A milliohm (mΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one thousandth (1/1,000) of an ohm (10-3 Ω).
It is commonly used in fields such as power distribution, precision electronic testing, and industrial motor evaluation. Accurately measuring very low resistance values is essential for determining the efficiency and reliability of these systems.
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.
mΩ 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 milli- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-3 (0.001) while the giga- prefix represents 109 (1,000,000,000).
To convert milliohms (mΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), divide the resistance value in milliohms by 1012 (1,000,000,000,000), since 1 gigaohm equals 1,000,000,000,000 milliohms.
R(GΩ) = R(mΩ) ÷ 1012 = R(mΩ) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000
Or remember the mΩ-to-GΩ conversion factor: 1 mΩ = 10-12 = 0.000000000001 GΩ
mΩ to GΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from milliohms (mΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 mΩ to 1,000 mΩ, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Milliohms (mΩ) | Gigaohms (GΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 mΩ | 0.0000000000001 GΩ |
| 0.5 mΩ | 0.0000000000005 GΩ |
| 1 mΩ | 0.000000000001 GΩ |
| 2 mΩ | 0.000000000002 GΩ |
| 4 mΩ | 0.000000000004 GΩ |
| 5 mΩ | 0.000000000005 GΩ |
| 10 mΩ | 0.00000000001 GΩ |
| 20 mΩ | 0.00000000002 GΩ |
| 30 mΩ | 0.00000000003 GΩ |
| 40 mΩ | 0.00000000004 GΩ |
| 50 mΩ | 0.00000000005 GΩ |
| 60 mΩ | 0.00000000006 GΩ |
| 70 mΩ | 0.00000000007 GΩ |
| 80 mΩ | 0.00000000008 GΩ |
| 90 mΩ | 0.00000000009 GΩ |
| 100 mΩ | 0.0000000001 GΩ |
| 200 mΩ | 0.0000000002 GΩ |
| 500 mΩ | 0.0000000005 GΩ |
| 800 mΩ | 0.0000000008 GΩ |
| 1,000 mΩ | 0.000000001 GΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from milliohms to gigaohms (mΩ to GΩ).
Example: High-Voltage Transformer Insulation Testing
In high-voltage transformer inspections, insulation resistance is measured to ensure safe operation. A technician might record an exceptionally high resistance in milliohms due to the extensive insulation, necessitating a conversion to gigaohms for clearer reporting.
If the measured insulation resistance is 5,000,000,000,000 mΩ, what is its value in gigaohms?
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 milliohms (mΩ), we can convert 5,000,000,000,000 mΩ to gigaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 5,000,000,000,000 mΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 5 GΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in milliohms: For this example, enter
5,000,000,000,000into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaohms:
5 GΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 milliohm or 1 gigaohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a trillion times bigger than a milliohm (mΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 1012 = 1,000,000,000,000 mΩ1 mΩ = 10-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 GΩ
How to convert from milliohms to gigaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from milliohms (mΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in milliohms (mΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a trillion (
1,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in gigaohms (GΩ).
Why do I need to convert milliohms to gigaohms?
Converting milliohms to gigaohms is especially useful when you are dealing with extremely high resistance values. When resistance measurements in milliohms become unwieldy due to the sheer number of digits, converting them to gigaohms offers a much simpler, whole-number expression that is easier to interpret and compare.
For instance, imagine a high-voltage insulation test on a substation component where the resistance is measured at 1,000,000,000,000 mΩ. Expressing this as 1 GΩ not only simplifies the number, but also makes it clearer during documentation and analysis.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from milliohms (mΩ) to gigaohms (GΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric resistance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
