Volt to Megavolt Converter

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

Definitions of Volt and Megavolt

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Volt (V) and Megavolt (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-millionth megavolts, or 10^-6 MV, or 0.000001 MV.

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

What is Megavolt (MV)?

A megavolt (MV) is a unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts (1,000,000 V). Think of it like comparing the height of a building to a mountain. Megavolts help quantify extremely high voltages where standard volt measurements are impractical.

V 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 mega- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 10⁶ (1,000,000). So, to convert from volts to megavolts, divide the number of volts (V_(V)) by 1,000,000.

V_(MV) = V_(V) ÷ 10⁶ = V_(V) ÷ 1,000,000

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

Or remember the V-to-MV conversion factor: 1 V = 10^-6 MV = 0.000001 MV

Examples

Now, let's look at an example illustrating the calculations required to convert from volts to megavolts (V to MV).

Example: Measuring Voltage in Lightning Strikes

Lightning is nature’s way of releasing massive bursts of electricity between clouds or to the ground. Studying it helps experts grasp how atmospheric energy works and how to protect people, buildings, and power systems from strikes. Measuring voltage is key here. It tells us how strong a bolt is, how much energy it carries, and what risks it poses.

A team records a lightning strike peaking at 125,000,000 volts. Numbers this huge are clunky to work with. Your task is to convert the voltage to megavolts so it is easier to reference when comparing lightning events.

Solution

Since 1 megavolt (MV) = 1,000,000 volts (V), We can convert 125,000,000 V to megavolts by using the following formula:

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

$$\text{V}_\text{(MV)} = \frac{125{,}000{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000} = \boxed{125 \text{ MV}}$$

Therefore, the 125,000,000 V output voltage of the lightning is equivalent to 125 MV.

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

Enter the value in volts – For this example, enter 125,000,000 into the From box.
View the result – The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in megavolts: 125 MV.

Volt to Megavolt Converter Example — Steps to convert from volts to megavolts with our calculator

V to MV conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting voltage measurement units from volts (V) to megavolts (MV). 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)	Megavolts
0.1 V	0.0000001 MV
0.5 V	0.0000005 MV
1 V	0.000001 MV
2 V	0.000002 MV
4 V	0.000004 MV
5 V	0.000005 MV
10 V	0.00001 MV
20 V	0.00002 MV
30 V	0.00003 MV
40 V	0.00004 MV
50 V	0.00005 MV
60 V	0.00006 MV
70 V	0.00007 MV
80 V	0.00008 MV
90 V	0.00009 MV
100 V	0.0001 MV
200 V	0.0002 MV
500 V	0.0005 MV
800 V	0.0008 MV
1,000 V	0.001 MV

Volts (V) to megavolts (MV) conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 volt or 1 megavolt larger?

A megavolt (MV) is a million times bigger than a volt (V). Here are the relationships between the units:

1 MV = 10⁶ = 1,000,000 V
1 V = 10^-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 MV

How to convert from volts to megavolts?

To convert voltage from volts (V) to megavolts (MV), follow these simple steps:

Write down the voltage value in volts (V).
Multiply it by the value of a V-to-MV conversion factor: 10^-6 or 0.000001.
The result of the multiplication is the value of the voltage in megavolts (MV).

Why do I need to convert from volts to megavolts?

Think of it like measuring distance in meters versus kilometers. Megavolts (MV) help simplify extremely high voltage values, making them easier to understand and work with in large-scale applications. Here’s where it matters most:

Lightning strikes can reach over 100 MV, and converting volts to megavolts helps scientists study atmospheric electricity more effectively.
Particle accelerators operate at megavolt-level voltages, providing enough energy for advanced physics experiments.
High-voltage power transmission systems use megavolt measurements to efficiently distribute electricity over vast distances while minimizing loss.

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