Millivolt to Microvolt Converter

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

Definitions of Volt, Millivolt, and Microvolt

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

A microvolt (µV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-millionth (1/1,000,000) of a volt (0.000001 V). It is commonly used in applications requiring high-precision voltage measurements, such as biomedical sensors (e.g., EEG and ECG devices), seismic monitoring, and radio signal detection, where extremely small electrical signals must be accurately captured and analyzed.

Its fine resolution makes it essential for systems sensitive to even the slightest voltage variations.

mV to µV 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 micro- represents a multiplier of 10^-6 (0.000001).

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

V_(µV) = V_(mV) × 10³ = V_(mV) × 1,000

\text{V}_\text{(µV)} = \text{V}_\text{(mV)} \times 1{,}000

Or remember the mV-to-µV conversion factor: 1 mV = 10³ = 1,000 µV

mV to µV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to microvolts (µV). 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)	Microvolts (µV)
0.1 mV	100 µV
0.5 mV	500 µV
1 mV	1,000 µV
2 mV	2,000 µV
4 mV	4,000 µV
5 mV	5,000 µV
10 mV	10,000 µV
20 mV	20,000 µV
30 mV	30,000 µV
40 mV	40,000 µV
50 mV	50,000 µV
60 mV	60,000 µV
70 mV	70,000 µV
80 mV	80,000 µV
90 mV	90,000 µV
100 mV	100,000 µV
200 mV	200,000 µV
500 mV	500,000 µV
800 mV	800,000 µV
1,000 mV	1,000,000 µV

Millivolts (mV) to microvolts (µV) conversion table

Examples

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

Example: Calibrating Precision Instruments in Laboratory Experiments

A researcher is calibrating a high-precision voltage measurement device that registers 7.8 millivolts (mV). However, laboratory reports and scientific documentation require voltage values in microvolts (µV) for finer resolution and detailed analysis.

Solution

Since 1 millivolt (mV) = 1,000 microvolts (µV), we can convert 7.8 mV to microvolts by using the following formula:

$$\text{V}_\text{(µV)} = \text{V}_\text{(mV)} \times 1{,}000$$

$$\text{V}_\text{(µV)} = 7.8 \times 1{,}000 = \boxed{7,800 \text{ µV}}$$

Therefore, the 7.8 mV output voltage of the device is equivalent to 7,800 µV.

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

Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 7.8 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in microvolts: 7,800 µV.

Millivolt to Microvolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from millivolts to microvolts with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 millivolt or 1 microvolt larger?

A millivolt (mV) is a thousand times bigger than a microvolt (µV). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 mV = 10³ = 1,000 µV
1 µV = 10^-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 mV

How to convert from millivolts to microvolts?

To convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to microvolts (µV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in millivolts (mV).
Multiply it by the value of a mV-to-µV conversion factor: 1,000.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in microvolts (µV).

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to microvolts?

Converting millivolts (mV) to microvolts (µV) is necessary when working with extremely small voltage signals in scientific, medical, and engineering applications. Since 1 mV = 1,000 µV, expressing voltage in microvolts improves precision, ensures accurate measurements, and enhances signal analysis.

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