An erg is a CGS energy unit.
Ergs to Gigajoules Converter — erg to GJ
Convert Erg (erg) to Gigajoule (GJ) using the exact conversion factor (1 erg = 1e-16 gigajoule). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Ergs to Gigajoules converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Gigajoule is 1000000000 joule units.
Result = input x 1e-7 / 1e+9.
Energy units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Ergs to Gigajoules
Erg and Gigajoule both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Specifically: An erg is a CGS energy unit, and gigajoule is 1000000000 joule units.
Formula
gigajoules = ergs × 1e-16
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 erg equals 1e-7 base units, and 1 gigajoule equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct erg-to-gigajoule factor of 1e-16.
Simple example
1 erg × 1e-16 = 1e-16 GJ
1 erg = 1e-16 gigajoules.
Real-world example
100 erg × 1e-16 = 1e-14 GJ
100 ergs = 1e-14 gigajoules.
Conversion table
| Erg (erg) | Gigajoule (GJ) |
|---|---|
| 1 erg | 1e-16 GJ |
| 10 erg | 1e-15 GJ |
| 50 erg | 5e-15 GJ |
| 100 erg | 1e-14 GJ |
| 500 erg | 5e-14 GJ |
| 1,000 erg | 1e-13 GJ |
Reverse conversion: Gigajoule to Erg
1e-16 GJ × 1e+16 = 1 erg
1e-16 gigajoules = 1 erg.
ergs = gigajoules × 1e+16
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Gigajoule to Erg.
Understanding the Erg (erg)
An erg is a CGS energy unit.
Understanding the Gigajoule (GJ)
Gigajoule is 1000000000 joule units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many gigajoules are in 1 erg?
1 erg equals 1e-16 gigajoules, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert erg to gigajoule?
Multiply the erg value by 1e-16. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert gigajoule back to erg?
Use the reverse factor: 1 gigajoule equals 1e+16 ergs. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a erg?
Erg (erg) is a unit of engineering.
What is a gigajoule?
Gigajoule (GJ) is a unit of engineering.
Is the erg to gigajoule conversion exact?
Yes. Both erg and gigajoule are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-16 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.