Millivolt to Megavolt Converter

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

Definitions of Volt, Millivolt, and Megavolt

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

A megavolt (MV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts (1,000,000 V). Think of it like comparing the height of a building to a mountain. Megavolts help quantify extremely high voltages where standard volt measurements are impractical.

mV to MV 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 mega- represents a multiplier of 10⁶ (1,000,000).

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

V_(MV) = V_(mV) ÷ 10⁹ = V_(mV) ÷ 1,000,000,000

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

Or remember the mV-to-MV conversion factor: 1 mV = 10^-9 = 0.000000001 MV

Examples

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

Example: Testing High-Voltage Cables in Electrical Grids

A research facility operates a linear particle accelerator that generates 6,000,000,000 millivolts (mV) to accelerate electrons. However, scientific documentation and calibration procedures require voltage to be expressed in megavolts (MV) for consistency and clarity.

Solution

Since 1 megavolt (MV) = 1,000,000,000 millivolts (mV), we can convert 6,000,000 mV to megavolts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(MV)} = \frac{6{,}000{,}000{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000} = \boxed{6 \text{ MV}}$$

Therefore, the 6,000,000,000 mV output voltage of the accelerator is equivalent to 6 MV.

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

Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 6,000,000,000 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megavolts: 6 MV.

Millivolt to Megavolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from millivolts to megavolts with our calculator

mV to MV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to megavolts (MV). 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)	Megavolts (MV)
0.1 mV	0.0000000001 MV
0.5 mV	0.0000000005 MV
1 mV	0.000000001 MV
2 mV	0.000000002 MV
4 mV	0.000000004 MV
5 mV	0.000000005 MV
10 mV	0.00000001 MV
20 mV	0.00000002 MV
30 mV	0.00000003 MV
40 mV	0.00000004 MV
50 mV	0.00000005 MV
60 mV	0.00000006 MV
70 mV	0.00000007 MV
80 mV	0.00000008 MV
90 mV	0.00000009 MV
100 mV	0.0000001 MV
200 mV	0.0000002 MV
500 mV	0.0000005 MV
800 mV	0.0000008 MV
1,000 mV	0.000001 MV

Millivolts (mV) to megavolts (MV) conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 millivolt or 1 megavolt larger?

A megavolt (MV) is a billion times bigger than a millivolt (mV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 MV = 10⁹ = 1,000,000,000 mV
1 mV = 10^-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 MV

How to convert from millivolts to megavolts?

To convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to megavolts (MV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in millivolts (mV).
Multiply it by the value of a mV-to-MV conversion factor: 10^-9 or 0.000000001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in megavolts (MV).

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to megavolts?

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

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