This article will show how to convert electrical resistance measurement units from ohms (Ω) to gigaohms (GΩ). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Ohm and Gigaohm
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Ohm (Ω) and Gigaohm (GΩ). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
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 billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a gigaohm (10-9 GΩ or 0.000000001 GΩ).
What is Gigaohm?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a unit of electrical resistance in the SI system equal to one billion (1,000,000,000) ohms (109 Ω).
It is commonly used in fields such as high-voltage engineering, insulation testing for power equipment, and geophysical surveys, where measuring resistance in the billions of ohms is essential to ensure safety, performance, and reliability.
Ω to GΩ 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 giga- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 109 (1,000,000,000). So, to convert from ohms to gigaohms, divide the number of ohms (R(Ω)) by 109 (1,000,000,000).
R(GΩ) = R(Ω) ÷ 109 = R(Ω) ÷ 1,000,000,000
Or remember the Ω-to-GΩ conversion factor: 1 Ω = 10-9 = 0.000000001 GΩ
Ω to GΩ conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting electrical resistance measurement units from ohms (Ω) to gigaohms (GΩ). It covers a range from 0.1 Ω to 1,000 Ω, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Ohms (Ω) | Gigaohms (GΩ) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Ω | 0.0000000001 GΩ |
| 0.5 Ω | 0.0000000005 GΩ |
| 1 Ω | 0.000000001 GΩ |
| 2 Ω | 0.000000002 GΩ |
| 4 Ω | 0.000000004 GΩ |
| 5 Ω | 0.000000005 GΩ |
| 10 Ω | 0.00000001 GΩ |
| 20 Ω | 0.00000002 GΩ |
| 30 Ω | 0.00000003 GΩ |
| 40 Ω | 0.00000004 GΩ |
| 50 Ω | 0.00000005 GΩ |
| 60 Ω | 0.00000006 GΩ |
| 70 Ω | 0.00000007 GΩ |
| 80 Ω | 0.00000008 GΩ |
| 90 Ω | 0.00000009 GΩ |
| 100 Ω | 0.0000001 GΩ |
| 200 Ω | 0.0000002 GΩ |
| 500 Ω | 0.0000005 GΩ |
| 800 Ω | 0.0000008 GΩ |
| 1,000 Ω | 0.000001 GΩ |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from ohms to gigaohms (Ω to GΩ).
Example: High-Voltage Cable Insulation Testing
EInsulation on high-voltage cables is critical to ensure minimal leakage current.
When a cable shows an insulation resistance of 1,500,000,000 Ω, what is that in gigaohms? You need the conversion for compliance with industry standards.
Solution
Since 1 gigaohm (GΩ) = 109 = 1,000,000,000 ohms (Ω), we can convert 1,500,000,000 Ω to gigaohms by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 1,500,000,000 Ω electrical resistance is equivalent to 1.5 GΩ.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in ohms: For this example, enter
1,500,000,000into the From box. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigaohms:
1.5 GΩ.
FAQs
Is 1 ohm or 1 gigaohm larger?
A gigaohm (GΩ) is a billion times bigger than an ohm (Ω). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GΩ = 109 = 1,000,000,000 Ω1 Ω = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 GΩ
How to convert from ohms to gigaohms?
To convert electrical resistance from ohms (Ω) to gigaohms (GΩ), follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Write down the electrical resistance value in ohms (Ω).
- Step 2: Divide it by a billion (
1,000,000,000). - Step 3: The result is the value of the electrical resistance in gigaohms (GΩ).
Why do I need to convert ohms to gigaohms?
You convert ohms to gigaohms (GΩ) to measure near-infinite insulation resistance in ultra-sensitive systems like pacemakers, satellites, or microchip labs.
Expressing billions of ohms as GΩ (e.g., 3,000,000,000 Ω → 3 GΩ) simplifies the data and aligns with standard practices in fields such as high-voltage insulation testing, aerospace component evaluation, or geophysical surveys.
You now know how to convert electrical resistance from ohms (Ω) to gigaohms (GΩ). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the electric resistance measurement units to save time for future calculations.
