In 1 megawatts there are 0.001 gigawatts. Meanwhile in 1 gigawatts there are 1,000 megawatts. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Gigawatts to Megawatts calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert megawatts (MW) to gigawatts (GW), use the SI scale where 1 GW = 1,000 MW. That means you divide megawatts by 1,000 to get gigawatts.
Examples
This MW to GW conversion works for any power value because both units measure power in the SI system.
There are 0.001 gigawatts (GW) in 1 megawatt (MW).
Gigawatts are larger units, so the number gets smaller when you convert from MW to GW.
Use this simple formula: GW = MW ÷ 1,000.
Example: 2,500 MW ÷ 1,000 = 2.5 GW.
The standard conversion is: GW = MW × 0.001.
This works because 1 GW = 1,000 MW.
Yes. 1,000 MW = 1 GW.
This is the most common reference point for MW to GW conversions.
Both units use the metric system.
The prefix giga- means one billion, and mega- means one million.
A billion is 1,000 times a million, so 1 GW equals 1,000 MW.
Megawatts (MW) often describe power output from wind farms, solar plants, and engines.
Gigawatts (GW) often describe large power plants, grid demand, and country-level capacity.
No. The power stays the same.
Only the unit changes. Converting to GW just makes large numbers easier to read.
MW measures power (rate of energy use or output).
MWh measures energy (power over time).
The MW to GW conversion only applies to power units. For energy, you would convert MWh to GWh instead.
Use the reverse formula: MW = GW × 1,000.
Example: 3.2 GW × 1,000 = 3,200 MW.
Move the decimal three places left.
Example: 750 MW becomes 0.750 GW, often written as 0.75 GW.
It’s normal to get decimals because gigawatts are larger units.
Round based on your need:
No. They measure power in general.
They can describe electrical output, heat output, or mechanical power. The MW to GW conversion stays the same in every case.
The Calculate Box tool to convert megawatts to gigawatts uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a megawatts value in the box and have it instantly converted to gigawatts.