Last updated: May 13, 2025

Millivolt to Nanovolt Converter

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

Definitions of Volt, Millivolt, and Nanovolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Millivolt (mV), and Nanovolt (nV). 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 Millivolt (mV)?
What is a Millivolt? The definition and illustration.

What is Nanovolt (nV)?

A nanovolt (nV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a volt (10-9 V). It is primarily used in high-precision electrical measurements, such as scientific instrumentation, quantum electronics, and sensitive signal detection, where extremely small voltage variations must be accurately captured and analyzed.

What is Nanovolt (nV)?
What is a Nanovolt?

Its ultra-small scale makes it essential for applications requiring minimal interference and precise voltage control.

mV to nV 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 nano- represents a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001).

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

V(nV) = V(mV) × 106 = V(mV) × 1,000,000

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

Or remember the mV-to-nV conversion factor: 1 mV = 106 = 1,000,000 nV

mV to nV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to nanovolts (nV). 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)Nanovolts (nV)
0.1 mV100,000 nV
0.5 mV500,000 nV
1 mV1,000,000 nV
2 mV2,000,000 nV
4 mV4,000,000 nV
5 mV5,000,000 nV
10 mV10,000,000 nV
20 mV20,000,000 nV
30 mV30,000,000 nV
40 mV40,000,000 nV
50 mV50,000,000 nV
60 mV60,000,000 nV
70 mV70,000,000 nV
80 mV80,000,000 nV
90 mV90,000,000 nV
100 mV100,000,000 nV
200 mV200,000,000 nV
500 mV500,000,000 nV
800 mV800,000,000 nV
1,000 mV1,000,000,000 nV
Millivolts (mV) to nanovolts (nV) conversion table

Examples

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

Example: Calibrating Precision Instruments in Laboratory Experiments

Semiconductor devices like microprocessors, memory chips, and sensors need accurate voltage measurements to work properly. Engineers test these devices to find small voltage changes. They do this to spot problems, improve performance, and make them more energy-efficient.

A semiconductor test records a voltage of 4.65 millivolts (mV), but for high-precision analysis, the voltage must be expressed in nanovolts (nV) to capture subtle fluctuations in electrical behavior.

Solution

Since 1 millivolt (mV) = 1,000,000 nanovolts (nV), we can convert 4.65 mV to nanovolts by using the following formula:

$$\text{V}_\text{(nV)} = \text{V}_\text{(mV)} \times 1{,}000{,}000$$
$$\text{V}_\text{(nV)} = 4.65 \times 1{,}000{,}000 = \boxed{4{,}650{,}000 \text{ nV}}$$

Therefore, the 4.65 mV output voltage of the semiconductor is equivalent to 4,650,000 nV.

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

  1. Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 4.65 into the From box.
  2. View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanovolts: 4,650,000 nV.
Millivolt to Nanovolt Converter Example
Steps to convert from millivolts to nanovolts with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 millivolt or 1 nanovolt larger?

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

  • 1 mV = 106 = 1,000,000 nV
  • 1 nV = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 nV

How to convert from millivolts to nanovolts?

To convert voltage from millivolts (mV) to nanovolts (nV), follow these simple steps:

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

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to nanovolts?

Converting millivolts (mV) to nanovolts (nV) is important when dealing with extremely small voltage signals in advanced scientific, medical, and engineering fields.

Using nanovolts makes measurements more precise, improves signal detection, and ensures accuracy in systems that require high sensitivity.

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

Millivolt to Nanovolt Converter

About this app

Millivolt to Nanovolt Converter

The millivolts to nanovolts (mV to nV) converter is a simple web app for converting voltage measurement units between millivolts (mV) and nanovolts (nV), with explanations, formulas, examples, and tables.

Availability

You can use the calculator for free as a PWA web app online or install it locally on any modern operating system, including Android, iOS, Windows 11/10, and macOS.

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References

2 Sources

  1. ⬆️ Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 20). Volt. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:40, May 9, 2025, from

    https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Volt&oldid=1264114537
  2. ⬆️ Metric (SI) Prefixes | NIST. (2010, January 13). NIST.

    https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si-prefixes