Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Gigawatts to Picowatts Converter — GW to pW
Convert Gigawatt (GW) to Picowatt (pW) using the exact conversion factor (1 gigawatt = 1e+21 picowatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Gigawatts to Picowatts 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.
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Result = input x 1e+9 / 1e-12.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Gigawatts to Picowatts
Gigawatt and Picowatt 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: Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units, and picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Formula
picowatts = gigawatts × 1e+21
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 gigawatt equals 1000000000 base units, and 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct gigawatt-to-picowatt factor of 1e+21.
Simple example
1 GW × 1e+21 = 1e+21 pW
1 gigawatt = 1e+21 picowatts.
Real-world example
100 GW × 1e+21 = 1e+23 pW
100 gigawatts = 1e+23 picowatts.
Conversion table
| Gigawatt (GW) | Picowatt (pW) |
|---|---|
| 1 GW | 1e+21 pW |
| 10 GW | 1e+22 pW |
| 50 GW | 5e+22 pW |
| 100 GW | 1e+23 pW |
| 500 GW | 5e+23 pW |
| 1,000 GW | 1e+24 pW |
Reverse conversion: Picowatt to Gigawatt
1e+21 pW × 1e-21 = 1 GW
1e+21 picowatts = 1 gigawatt.
gigawatts = picowatts × 1e-21
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Picowatt to Gigawatt.
Understanding the Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many picowatts are in 1 gigawatt?
1 gigawatt equals 1e+21 picowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert gigawatt to picowatt?
Multiply the gigawatt value by 1e+21. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert picowatt back to gigawatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 picowatt equals 1e-21 gigawatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a gigawatt?
Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of engineering.
What is a picowatt?
Picowatt (pW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the gigawatt to picowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both gigawatt and picowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e+21 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.