Millivolt to Volt Converter

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

Definitions of Millivolt and Volt

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

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

V_(V) = V_(mV) ÷ 10³ = V_(mV) ÷ 1,000

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

Or remember the mV-to-V conversion factor: 1 mV = 0.001 V

Examples

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

Example: Standardizing Voltage Levels in Biomedical Sensors

Medical devices rely on precise voltage measurements to detect and analyze biological signals. A heart monitor records an electrical signal of 3,500 mV, but to compare its sensitivity with other medical equipment, the voltage needs to be expressed in volts (V) rather than millivolts (mV).

Solution

Since 1 volt (V) = 1,000 millivolts (mV), we can convert 3,500 mV to volts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(V)} = \frac{3{,}500}{1,000} = \boxed{3.5 \text{ V}}$$

Therefore, the 3,500 mV output voltage of the signal is equivalent to 3.5 V.

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

Enter the value in millivolts – For this example, enter 3,500 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in volts: 3.5 V.

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

mV to V conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from millivolts (mV) to volts (V). 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)	Volts (V)
0.1 mV	0.0001 V
0.5 mV	0.0005 V
1 mV	0.001 V
2 mV	0.002 V
4 mV	0.004 V
5 mV	0.005 V
10 mV	0.01 V
20 mV	0.02 V
30 mV	0.03 V
40 mV	0.04 V
50 mV	0.05 V
60 mV	0.06 V
70 mV	0.07 V
80 mV	0.08 V
90 mV	0.09 V
100 mV	0.1 V
200 mV	0.2 V
500 mV	0.5 V
800 mV	0.8 V
1,000 mV	1 V

Millivolts (mV) to volts (V) conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 volt or 1 millivolt larger?

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

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

How to convert from millivolts to volts?

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

Write down the voltage value in millivolts (mV).
Multiply it by the value of a mV-to-V conversion factor: 10^-3 or 0.001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in volts (V).

Why do I need to convert from millivolts to volts?

Converting millivolts (mV) to volts (V) is necessary when working with electrical measurements that require standardization, clarity, and compatibility across different systems. Since 1 volt (V) = 1,000 millivolts (mV), expressing voltage in volts simplifies calculations and ensures consistency in various applications.

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