Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Kilowatts to Gigawatts Converter — kW to GW
Convert Kilowatt (kW) to Gigawatt (GW) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilowatt = 0.000001 gigawatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Kilowatts to Gigawatts 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.
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Result = input x 1000 / 1e+9.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilowatts to Gigawatts
Kilowatt and Gigawatt 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. Kilowatt is most often used for electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower).
Formula
gigawatts = kilowatts × 0.000001
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, and 1 gigawatt equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilowatt-to-gigawatt factor of 0.000001.
Simple example
1 kW × 0.000001 = 0.000001 GW
1 kilowatt = 0.000001 gigawatts.
Real-world example
100 kW × 0.000001 = 0.0001 GW
100 kilowatts = 0.0001 gigawatts.
Conversion table
| Kilowatt (kW) | Gigawatt (GW) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 0.000001 GW |
| 10 kW | 0.00001 GW |
| 50 kW | 0.00005 GW |
| 100 kW | 0.0001 GW |
| 500 kW | 0.0005 GW |
| 1,000 kW | 0.001 GW |
Reverse conversion: Gigawatt to Kilowatt
0.000001 GW × 1000000 = 1 kW
0.000001 gigawatts = 1 kilowatt.
kilowatts = gigawatts × 1000000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Gigawatt to Kilowatt.
Understanding the Kilowatt
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems
Uses of the Kilowatt today
- Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower)
- Household electrical system and generator capacity
- Industrial motor and equipment power ratings
History of the Kilowatt
The kilowatt follows directly from the watt via the standard SI 'kilo-' prefix, becoming especially prominent with the growth of electrical power generation and distribution in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical origin. Kilowatt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Kilowatt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'kilo-' as the prefix for 10³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many gigawatts are in 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 0.000001 gigawatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilowatt to gigawatt?
Multiply the kilowatt value by 0.000001. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert gigawatt back to kilowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 gigawatt equals 1,000,000 kilowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a kilowatt?
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
What is a gigawatt?
Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the kilowatt to gigawatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilowatt and gigawatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.000001 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the kilowatt still used today?
Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems
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.