Millivolt to Gigavolt Converter

This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from millivolts (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, Millivolt, and Gigavolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Millivolt (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 thousand millivolts, or 10³ mV, or 1,000 mV.

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

What is Millivolt (mV)?

A millivolt (mV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-thousandth (1/1,000) of a volt (0.001 V). It is widely utilized in applications requiring precise measurement of low voltages, such as sensor outputs (e.g., temperature, biomedical devices) and small-scale electronic circuits where minimal electrical signals must be accurately captured and analyzed. Its compact scale makes it ideal for systems sensitive to higher voltage levels.

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 milli- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10^-3 (0.001) while the giga- represents a multiplier of 10⁹ (1,000,000,000).

So, to convert from millivolts to gigavolts, divide the number of millivolts (V_(mV)) by 1,000,000,000,000.

V_(GV) = V_(mV) ÷ 10¹² = V_(mV) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000

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

Or remember the mV-to-GV conversion factor: 1 mV = 10^-12 = 0.000000000001 GV

Examples

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

Example: Measuring Voltage in Extreme Lightning Strikes

Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful electrical phenomena, capable of generating extremely high voltages. Scientists studying atmospheric electricity record a rare superbolt, a type of lightning strike that is significantly more intense than typical bolts. The measured voltage is 2,800,000,000,000 millivolts (mV), but for scientific documentation and analysis, voltage must be expressed in gigavolts (GV).

Solution

Since 1 gigavolt (GV) = 1,000,000,000,000 millivolts (mV), we can convert 2,800,000,000,000 mV to gigavolts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(GV)} = \frac{2{,}800{,}000{,}000{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000{,}000} = \boxed{2.8 \text{ GV}}$$

Therefore, the 2,800,000,000,000 mV output voltage of the superbolt is equivalent to 2.8 GV.

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

Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 2,800,000,000,000 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigavolts: 2.8 GV.

Millivolt to Gigavolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from millivolts to gigavolts with our calculator

mV to GV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (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.

Millivolts (mV)	Gigavolts (GV)
0.1 mV	0.0000000000001 GV
0.5 mV	0.0000000000005 GV
1 mV	0.000000000001 GV
2 mV	0.000000000002 GV
4 mV	0.000000000004 GV
5 mV	0.000000000005 GV
10 mV	0.00000000001 GV
20 mV	0.00000000002 GV
30 mV	0.00000000003 GV
40 mV	0.00000000004 GV
50 mV	0.00000000005 GV
60 mV	0.00000000006 GV
70 mV	0.00000000007 GV
80 mV	0.00000000008 GV
90 mV	0.00000000009 GV
100 mV	0.0000000001 GV
200 mV	0.0000000002 GV
500 mV	0.0000000005 GV
800 mV	0.0000000008 GV
1,000 mV	0.000000001 GV

Millivolts (mV) to gigavolts (GV) conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 millivolt or 1 gigavolt larger?

A gigavolt (GV) is a trillion times bigger than a millivolt (mV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 GV = 10¹² = 1,000,000,000,000 mV
1 mV = 10^-12 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000001 GV

How to convert from millivolts to gigavolts?

To convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to gigavolts (GV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in millivolts (mV).
Multiply it by the value of a mV-to-GV conversion factor: 10^-12 or 0.000000000001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in gigavolts (GV).

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to gigavolts?

Converting millivolts (mV) to gigavolts (GV) is necessary when dealing with extremely high voltages in scientific, industrial, and electrical applications. Since 1 GV = 1,000,000,000 mV, expressing voltage in gigavolts simplifies calculations, ensures consistency, and improves clarity in high-energy systems.

You now know how to convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to gigavolts (GV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.