Volt is the SI unit of electric potential.
Volts to Centivolts Converter — V to cV
Convert Volt (V) to Centivolt (cV) using the exact conversion factor (1 volt = 100 centivolt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Volts to Centivolts converter
Converter
Electricity Converter
Convert electrical units by family and calculate voltage, current, resistance, power, and energy with context values.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centivolt is 0.01 volt units.
Result = input x 1 / 0.01.
Electrical units in the same family convert directly.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Volts to Centivolts
Volt and Centivolt both belong to the electricity family — voltage, current, resistance, power, or energy — units that show up constantly when working across the different standards used by household wiring (120V/240V depending on region), automotive electrical systems (12V/24V), and electronics design. Volt is most often used for household and automotive electrical system ratings (120v/240v mains, 12v/24v batteries).
Formula
centivolts = volts × 100
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 volt equals 1 base unit, and 1 centivolt equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct volt-to-centivolt factor of 100.
Simple example
1 V × 100 = 100 cV
1 volt = 100 centivolts.
Real-world example
120 V × 100 = 12,000 cV
120 volts = 12,000 centivolts.
Conversion table
| Volt (V) | Centivolt (cV) |
|---|---|
| 1 V | 100 cV |
| 5 V | 500 cV |
| 12 V | 1,200 cV |
| 24 V | 2,400 cV |
| 120 V | 12,000 cV |
| 240 V | 24,000 cV |
Reverse conversion: Centivolt to Volt
100 cV × 0.01 = 1 V
100 centivolts = 1 volt.
volts = centivolts × 0.01
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centivolt to Volt.
Understanding the Volt
Volt (V) measures electric potential. The SI derived unit of electric potential difference, equal to one joule of energy per coulomb of charge. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Universal — SI derived unit used worldwide
Uses of the Volt today
- Household and automotive electrical system ratings (120V/240V mains, 12V/24V batteries)
- Battery and power-supply specifications
- Electronics design
History of the Volt
The volt is named after Alessandro Volta (1745–1827), an Italian physicist who invented the voltaic pile in 1800 — the first device able to produce a steady electric current, and the direct ancestor of the modern battery.
Historical origin. Volt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Centivolt (cV)
Centivolt is 0.01 volt units.
Volt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure, 9th edition — Definition of the volt as a coherent SI derived unit.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centivolts are in 1 volt?
1 volt equals 100 centivolts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert volt to centivolt?
Multiply the volt value by 100. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centivolt back to volt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centivolt equals 0.01 volts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a volt?
Volt (V) measures electric potential. The SI derived unit of electric potential difference, equal to one joule of energy per coulomb of charge. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a centivolt?
Centivolt (cV) is a unit of electricity.
Is the volt to centivolt conversion exact?
Yes. Both volt and centivolt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 100 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the volt still used today?
Universal — SI derived unit used worldwide
What's the difference between voltage, current, and resistance?
Voltage (volts) is the electrical potential difference driving current through a circuit. Current (amperes) is the rate of flow of electric charge. Resistance (ohms) is how much a component opposes that flow. They're related by Ohm's law (V = I × R), but they are distinct physical quantities, and this page converts between units of just one of them.