Nanovolt to Millivolt Converter

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

Definitions of Volt, Nanovolt, and Millivolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V), Nanovolt (nV), and Millivolt (mV). 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 billion nanovolts, or 10⁹ nV, or 1,000,000,000 nV.

Definition and illustration of a volt. — What is a Volt? 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.

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

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.

nV to mV 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) represents a multiplier of 10^-9 (0.000000001) while the milli- represents a multiplier of 10^-3 (0.001).

So, to convert from nanovolts to millivolts, divide the number of nanovolts (V_(nV)) by 1,000,000.

V_(mV) = V_(nV) ÷ 10⁶ = V_(nV) ÷ 1,000,000

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

Or remember the nV-to-mV conversion factor: 1 nV = 10^-6 = 0.000001 mV

nV to mV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from nanovolts (nV) to millivolts (mV). It covers a range from 0.1 nV to 1,000 nV, allowing for easy and quick conversions between both units of measurement.

Nanovolts (nV)	Millivolts (mV)
0.1 nV	0.0000001 mV
0.5 nV	0.0000005 mV
1 nV	0.000001 mV
2 nV	0.000002 mV
4 nV	0.000004 mV
5 nV	0.000005 mV
10 nV	0.00001 mV
20 nV	0.00002 mV
30 nV	0.00003 mV
40 nV	0.00004 mV
50 nV	0.00005 mV
60 nV	0.00006 mV
70 nV	0.00007 mV
80 nV	0.00008 mV
90 nV	0.00009 mV
100 nV	0.0001 mV
200 nV	0.0002 mV
500 nV	0.0005 mV
800 nV	0.0008 mV
1,000 nV	0.001 mV

Nanovolts (nV) to millivolts (mV) conversion table

Examples

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

Example: Solar Panel Efficiency Testing

A researcher is testing the efficiency of a solar panel by measuring voltage fluctuations in nanovolts. The report requires values in millivolts. If a solar panel generates 9,000,000 nanovolts under low-light conditions, how many millivolts is that?

Solution

Since 1 millivolts (mV) = 1,000,000 nanovolts (nV), we can convert 9,000,000 nV to millivolts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(mV)} = \frac{9{,}000{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000} = \boxed{9 \text{ mV}}$$

Therefore, the 9,000,000 nV output voltage of the solar panel is equivalent to 9 mV.

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

Enter the value in nanovolts – For this example, enter 9,000,000 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in millivolts: 9 mV.

Nanovolt to Millivolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from nanovolts to millivolts with our calculator

FAQs

Is 1 nanovolt or 1 millivolt 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 mV

How to convert from nanovolts to millivolts?

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

Write down the voltage value in nanovolts (nV).
Multiply it by the value of the nV-to-mV conversion factor: 10^-6 or 0.000001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in millivolts (mV).

Why do I need to convert from nanovolts to millivolts?

Nanovolts (nV) represent tiny voltage values, while millivolts (mV) offer a more practical scale for analysis and reporting. Many industries standardize data in millivolts for readability, accuracy, and compatibility across devices.

Converting to millivolts simplifies calculations, ensures proper instrument function, and reduces precision errors. Whether for research, sensor calibration, or electrical optimization, using millivolts makes voltage data easier to interpret and compare.

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