This article will show how to convert voltage measurement units from volts (V) to gigavolts (GV). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Volt and Gigavolt
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V) and Gigavolt (GV). 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-billionth gigavolts, or 10-9 GV, or 0.000000001 GV.
What is Gigavolt (GV)?
A gigavolt (GV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one billion volts (1,000,000,000 V). This measurement is used in applications involving extreme voltage levels that standard voltage units cannot effectively represent.
V to GV 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 volts to gigavolts, divide the number of volts (V(V)) by 1,000,000,000.
V(GV) = V(V) ÷ 109 = V(V) ÷ 1,000,000,000
Or remember the V-to-GV conversion factor: 1 V = 10-9 GV = 0.000000001 GV
Examples
Now, let's look at an example illustrating the calculations required to convert from volts to gigavolts (V to GV).
Example: Testing High-Voltage Insulation for Spacecraft
Spacecraft have to survive harsh conditions like radiation, vacuums, and unpredictable electrical bursts. Insulation keeps power surges from frying the electronics that keep missions alive.
Engineers testing a spacecraft’s systems spot a surge of 850,000,000 volts. Numbers this big are hard to work with. Your task is to convert the voltage to gigavolts to make the data easier to interpret.
Solution
Since 1 gigavolt (GV) = 1,000,000,000 volts (V), We can convert 850,000,000 V to gigavolts by using the following formula:
Therefore, the 850,000,000 V output voltage of the surge is equivalent to 0.85 GV.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in volts – For this example, enter
850,000,000into theFrombox. - View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in gigavolts:
0.85 GV.
V to GV conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from volts (V) to gigavolts (GV). It covers a range from 0.1 V to 1,000 V, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Volts (V) | Gigavolts (GV) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 V | 0.0000000001 GV |
| 0.5 V | 0.0000000005 GV |
| 1 V | 0.000000001 GV |
| 2 V | 0.000000002 GV |
| 4 V | 0.000000004 GV |
| 5 V | 0.000000005 GV |
| 10 V | 0.00000001 GV |
| 20 V | 0.00000002 GV |
| 30 V | 0.00000003 GV |
| 40 V | 0.00000004 GV |
| 50 V | 0.00000005 GV |
| 60 V | 0.00000006 GV |
| 70 V | 0.00000007 GV |
| 80 V | 0.00000008 GV |
| 90 V | 0.00000009 GV |
| 100 V | 0.0000001 GV |
| 200 V | 0.0000002 GV |
| 500 V | 0.0000005 GV |
| 800 V | 0.0000008 GV |
| 1,000 V | 0.000001 GV |
FAQs
Is 1 volt or 1 gigavolt larger?
A gigavolt (GV) is a billion times bigger than a volt (V). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 GV = 109 = 1,000,000,000 V1 V = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 GV
How to convert from volts to gigavolts?
To convert voltage from volts (V) to gigavolts (GV), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the voltage value in
volts (V). - Multiply it by the value of a
V-to-GVconversion factor:10-9or0.000000001. - The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in
gigavolts (GV).
Why do I need to convert from volts to gigavolts?
Gigavolts (GV) simplify massive voltage numbers, like those in power grids or particle accelerators, where values can hit billions of volts. Instead of writing "850,000,000 volts," engineers or scientists can say "0.85 GV," making data easier to share, compare, or use in safety plans. Here’s where it matters most:
- Lightning strikes can reach 1 GV or more, making conversion essential for atmospheric research.
- Particle accelerators operate at gigavolt levels to propel charged particles efficiently in physics experiments.
- Nuclear fusion reactors use gigavolt voltages for plasma confinement and energy generation.
You now know how to convert voltage from volts (V) to gigavolts (GV). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the voltage measurement units to save time for future calculations.
