Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
Milliwatts to Centiwatts Converter — mW to cW
Convert Milliwatt (mW) to Centiwatt (cW) using the exact conversion factor (1 milliwatt = 0.1 centiwatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Milliwatts to Centiwatts 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.
Centiwatt is 0.01 watt units.
Result = input x 0.001 / 0.01.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Milliwatts to Centiwatts
Milliwatt and Centiwatt 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: Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units, and centiwatt is 0.01 watt units.
Formula
centiwatts = milliwatts × 0.1
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 milliwatt equals 0.001 base units, and 1 centiwatt equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct milliwatt-to-centiwatt factor of 0.1.
Simple example
1 mW × 0.1 = 0.1 cW
1 milliwatt = 0.1 centiwatts.
Real-world example
100 mW × 0.1 = 10 cW
100 milliwatts = 10 centiwatts.
Conversion table
| Milliwatt (mW) | Centiwatt (cW) |
|---|---|
| 1 mW | 0.1 cW |
| 10 mW | 1 cW |
| 50 mW | 5 cW |
| 100 mW | 10 cW |
| 500 mW | 50 cW |
| 1,000 mW | 100 cW |
Reverse conversion: Centiwatt to Milliwatt
0.1 cW × 10 = 1 mW
0.1 centiwatts = 1 milliwatt.
milliwatts = centiwatts × 10
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centiwatt to Milliwatt.
Understanding the Milliwatt (mW)
Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
Understanding the Centiwatt (cW)
Centiwatt is 0.01 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centiwatts are in 1 milliwatt?
1 milliwatt equals 0.1 centiwatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert milliwatt to centiwatt?
Multiply the milliwatt value by 0.1. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centiwatt back to milliwatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centiwatt equals 10 milliwatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a milliwatt?
Milliwatt (mW) is a unit of engineering.
What is a centiwatt?
Centiwatt (cW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the milliwatt to centiwatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both milliwatt and centiwatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.1 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.