Millivolt to Kilovolt (mV to kV) Converter

This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to kilovolts (kV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of Volt, Millivolt, and Kilovolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Millivolt (mV), and Kilovolt (kV). 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 Kilovolt (kV)?

A kilovolt (kV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one thousand volts (1,000 V). Think of it like measuring water pressure in a garden hose versus a fire hydrant. Kilovolts help quantify high-voltage systems where standard voltage measurements are too small to be practical.

mV to kV 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 kilo- represents a multiplier of 10³ (1,000).

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

V_(kV) = V_(mV) ÷ 10⁶ = V_(mV) ÷ 1,000,000

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

Or remember the mV-to-kV conversion factor: 1 mV = 10^-6 = 0.000001 kV

Examples

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

Example: Testing High-Voltage Cables in Electrical Grids

High-voltage cables are essential in electrical grids, industrial power systems, and infrastructure projects. A technician records a voltage of 850,000 millivolts (mV) in a power cable, but grid specifications require the value to be expressed in kilovolts (kV).

Your task is to convert the measured voltage to kilovolts to simplify documentation and ensure compliance with grid standards.

Solution

Since 1 kilovolt (kV) = 1,000,000 millivolts (mV), we can convert 850,000 mV to kilovolts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(kV)} = \frac{850{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000} = \boxed{0.85 \text{ kV}}$$

Therefore, the 850,000 mV output voltage of the cable is equivalent to 0.85 kV.

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

Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 850,000 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in kilovolts: 0.85 kV.

Millivolt to Kilovolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from millivolts to volts with our calculator

mV to kV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to kilovolts (kV). 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)	Kilovolts (kV)
0.1 mV	0.0000001 kV
0.5 mV	0.0000005 kV
1 mV	0.000001 kV
2 mV	0.000002 kV
4 mV	0.000004 kV
5 mV	0.000005 kV
10 mV	0.00001 kV
20 mV	0.00002 kV
30 mV	0.00003 kV
40 mV	0.00004 kV
50 mV	0.00005 kV
60 mV	0.00006 kV
70 mV	0.00007 kV
80 mV	0.00008 kV
90 mV	0.00009 kV
100 mV	0.0001 kV
200 mV	0.0002 kV
500 mV	0.0005 kV
800 mV	0.0008 kV
1,000 mV	0.001 kV

Millivolts (mV) to kilovolts (kV) conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 millivolt or 1 kilovolt larger?

A kilovolt (kV) is a million times bigger than a millivolt (mV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 kV = 10⁶ = 1,000,000 mV
1 mV = 10^-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 kV

How to convert from millivolts to kilovolts?

To convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to kilovolts (V), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in millivolts (mV).
Multiply it by the value of a mV-to-kV conversion factor: 10^-6 or 0.000001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in kilovolts (kV).

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to kilovolts?

Converting millivolts (mV) to kilovolts (kV) is necessary when working with high-voltage systems that require standardized measurements. Since 1 kV = 1,000,000 mV, expressing voltage in kilovolts simplifies documentation, ensures accuracy in electrical testing, and maintains consistency in engineering applications.

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