Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
Milliwatts to Microwatts Converter — mW to uW
Convert Milliwatt (mW) to Microwatt (uW) using the exact conversion factor (1 milliwatt = 1,000 microwatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Milliwatts to Microwatts 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.
Microwatt is 0.000001 watt units.
Result = input x 0.001 / 1e-6.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Milliwatts to Microwatts
Milliwatt and Microwatt 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 microwatt is 0.000001 watt units.
Formula
microwatts = milliwatts × 1000
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 milliwatt equals 0.001 base units, and 1 microwatt equals 0.000001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct milliwatt-to-microwatt factor of 1000.
Simple example
1 mW × 1000 = 1,000 uW
1 milliwatt = 1,000 microwatts.
Real-world example
100 mW × 1000 = 100,000 uW
100 milliwatts = 100,000 microwatts.
Conversion table
| Milliwatt (mW) | Microwatt (uW) |
|---|---|
| 1 mW | 1,000 uW |
| 10 mW | 10,000 uW |
| 50 mW | 50,000 uW |
| 100 mW | 100,000 uW |
| 500 mW | 500,000 uW |
| 1,000 mW | 1,000,000 uW |
Reverse conversion: Microwatt to Milliwatt
1 uW × 0.001 = 0.001 mW
1 microwatt = 0.001 milliwatts.
milliwatts = microwatts × 0.001
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Microwatt to Milliwatt.
Understanding the Milliwatt (mW)
Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
Understanding the Microwatt (uW)
Microwatt is 0.000001 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many microwatts are in 1 milliwatt?
1 milliwatt equals 1,000 microwatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert milliwatt to microwatt?
Multiply the milliwatt value by 1000. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert microwatt back to milliwatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 microwatt equals 0.001 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 microwatt?
Microwatt (uW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the milliwatt to microwatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both milliwatt and microwatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1000 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.