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.
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 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.
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
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 mV | 100,000 nV |
| 0.5 mV | 500,000 nV |
| 1 mV | 1,000,000 nV |
| 2 mV | 2,000,000 nV |
| 4 mV | 4,000,000 nV |
| 5 mV | 5,000,000 nV |
| 10 mV | 10,000,000 nV |
| 20 mV | 20,000,000 nV |
| 30 mV | 30,000,000 nV |
| 40 mV | 40,000,000 nV |
| 50 mV | 50,000,000 nV |
| 60 mV | 60,000,000 nV |
| 70 mV | 70,000,000 nV |
| 80 mV | 80,000,000 nV |
| 90 mV | 90,000,000 nV |
| 100 mV | 100,000,000 nV |
| 200 mV | 200,000,000 nV |
| 500 mV | 500,000,000 nV |
| 800 mV | 800,000,000 nV |
| 1,000 mV | 1,000,000,000 nV |
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:
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:
- Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter
4.65into theFrombox. - View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in nanovolts:
4,650,000 nV.
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 nV1 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-nVconversion 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.
