Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Picowatts to Kilowatts Converter — pW to kW
Convert Picowatt (pW) to Kilowatt (kW) using the exact conversion factor (1 picowatt = 1e-15 kilowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Picowatts to Kilowatts 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.
Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 1000.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picowatts to Kilowatts
Picowatt and Kilowatt 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: Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units, and kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Formula
kilowatts = picowatts × 1e-15
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct picowatt-to-kilowatt factor of 1e-15.
Simple example
1 pW × 1e-15 = 1e-15 kW
1 picowatt = 1e-15 kilowatts.
Real-world example
100 pW × 1e-15 = 1e-13 kW
100 picowatts = 1e-13 kilowatts.
Conversion table
| Picowatt (pW) | Kilowatt (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 pW | 1e-15 kW |
| 10 pW | 1e-14 kW |
| 50 pW | 5e-14 kW |
| 100 pW | 1e-13 kW |
| 500 pW | 5e-13 kW |
| 1,000 pW | 1e-12 kW |
Reverse conversion: Kilowatt to Picowatt
1e-15 kW × 1e+15 = 1 pW
1e-15 kilowatts = 1 picowatt.
picowatts = kilowatts × 1e+15
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilowatt to Picowatt.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
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.
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 kilowatts are in 1 picowatt?
1 picowatt equals 1e-15 kilowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert picowatt to kilowatt?
Multiply the picowatt value by 1e-15. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilowatt back to picowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilowatt equals 1e+15 picowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a picowatt?
Picowatt (pW) is a unit of engineering.
What is a kilowatt?
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the picowatt to kilowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both picowatt and kilowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-15 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.