This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from nanoohms (nΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm, Nanoohm, and Megaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω), Nano-ohm (nΩ), and Mega-ohm (MΩ). Understanding these terms will enable you to perform conversions with confidence.
What is Ohm?
The ohm (Ω) is the SI derived unit of electrical resistance. It is defined as the resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant potential difference of one volt is applied across those points, producing a current of one ampere in the conductor, assuming no additional electromotive force is present.[1]
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, an ohm (1 Ω) is equivalent to one billion nanoohms (109 nΩ or 1,000,000,000 nΩ).
What is Nanoohm?
A nanoohm (nΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of an ohm (10-9 Ω).
Nanoohms become crucial only in extreme precision fields like superconductor research, quantum computing development, or aerospace material testing, where measuring near-zero resistance down to billionths of an ohm determines success or failure of cutting-edge technology.
What is Megaohm?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one million (1,000,000) ohms (106 Ω).
It is commonly used in high-voltage insulation testing, medical device safety validation, and industrial sensor design, where measuring extreme resistance up to millions of ohms determines critical safety margins and operational reliability.
nΩ to MΩ 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 nano- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) corresponds to a multiplier of 10-9 (0.000000001) while the mega- prefix represents 106 (1,000,000).
To convert nanoohms (nΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), divide the resistance value in nanoohms by 1015 (1,000,000,000,000,000), since 1 megaohm equals 1015 nanoohms.
R(MΩ) = R(nΩ) ÷ 1015 = R(nΩ) ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000
Or remember the nΩ-to-MΩ conversion factor: 1 nΩ = 10-15 = 0.000000000000001 MΩ
nΩ to MΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from nanoohms (nΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 nΩ to 1,000 nΩ, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Nanoohms (nΩ) | Megaohms (MΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 nΩ | 0.0000000000000001 MΩ |
| 0.5 nΩ | 0.0000000000000005 MΩ |
| 1 nΩ | 0.000000000000001 MΩ |
| 2 nΩ | 0.000000000000002 MΩ |
| 4 nΩ | 0.000000000000004 MΩ |
| 5 nΩ | 0.000000000000005 MΩ |
| 10 nΩ | 0.00000000000001 MΩ |
| 20 nΩ | 0.00000000000002 MΩ |
| 30 nΩ | 0.00000000000003 MΩ |
| 40 nΩ | 0.00000000000004 MΩ |
| 50 nΩ | 0.00000000000005 MΩ |
| 60 nΩ | 0.00000000000006 MΩ |
| 70 nΩ | 0.00000000000007 MΩ |
| 80 nΩ | 0.00000000000008 MΩ |
| 90 nΩ | 0.00000000000009 MΩ |
| 100 nΩ | 0.0000000000001 MΩ |
| 200 nΩ | 0.0000000000002 MΩ |
| 500 nΩ | 0.0000000000005 MΩ |
| 800 nΩ | 0.0000000000008 MΩ |
| 1,000 nΩ | 0.000000000001 MΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from nanoohms to megaohms (nΩ to MΩ).
Example: Transformer Insulation Resistance Assessment
For high-voltage transformers, accurate insulation measurements help detect potential leakage. A test might record the resistance in nanoohms, requiring conversion to megaohms for alignment with specification documents.
If the measured insulation resistance is 5,000,000,000,000,000 (5×1015) nΩ, what is this value in megaohms?
Solution
Since 1 megaohm (MΩ) = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nanoohms (nΩ), we can convert 5,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ to megaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 5,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ electrical resistance is equivalent to 5 MΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in nanoohms: For this example, enter
5,000,000,000,000,000into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megaohms:
5 MΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 nanoohm or 1 megaohm larger?
A megaohm (MΩ) is a quadrillion times bigger than a nanoohm (nΩ). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 MΩ = 1015 = 1,000,000,000,000,000 nΩ1 nΩ = 10-15 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 0.000000000000001 MΩ
How to convert from nanoohms to megaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from nanoohms (nΩ) to megaohms (MΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in nanoohms (nΩ).
- Step 2: Divide it by a quadrillion (
1015or1,000,000,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in megaohms (MΩ).
Why do I need to convert nanoohms to megaohms?
Converting nanoohms to megaohms is beneficial because it transforms extremely large numbers into a more manageable format.
When resistances are measured in nanoohms, the figures can be very cluttered and hard to compare, especially in high-voltage or high-resistance situations where the measurements are enormous.
Expressing these values in megaohms simplifies analysis and documentation, aligning with industry standards and making it easier to integrate into simulation models and technical reports.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from nanoohms (nΩ) to megaohms (MΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric resistance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
