Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Kilowatts to Megawatts Converter — kW to MW
Convert Kilowatt (kW) to Megawatt (MW) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilowatt = 0.001 megawatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Kilowatts to Megawatts 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.
Megawatt is 1000000 watt units.
Result = input x 1000 / 1e+6.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilowatts to Megawatts
Kilowatt and Megawatt 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
megawatts = kilowatts × 0.001
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, and 1 megawatt equals 1000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilowatt-to-megawatt factor of 0.001.
Simple example
1 kW × 0.001 = 0.001 MW
1 kilowatt = 0.001 megawatts.
Real-world example
100 kW × 0.001 = 0.1 MW
100 kilowatts = 0.1 megawatts.
Conversion table
| Kilowatt (kW) | Megawatt (MW) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 0.001 MW |
| 10 kW | 0.01 MW |
| 50 kW | 0.05 MW |
| 100 kW | 0.1 MW |
| 500 kW | 0.5 MW |
| 1,000 kW | 1 MW |
Reverse conversion: Megawatt to Kilowatt
0.001 MW × 1000 = 1 kW
0.001 megawatts = 1 kilowatt.
kilowatts = megawatts × 1000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Megawatt 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 Megawatt (MW)
Megawatt is 1000000 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 megawatts are in 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 0.001 megawatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilowatt to megawatt?
Multiply the kilowatt value by 0.001. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert megawatt back to kilowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 megawatt equals 1,000 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 megawatt?
Megawatt (MW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the kilowatt to megawatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilowatt and megawatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.001 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.