Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Picowatts to Megawatts Converter — pW to MW
Convert Picowatt (pW) to Megawatt (MW) using the exact conversion factor (1 picowatt = 1e-18 megawatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picowatts 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 1e-12 / 1e+6.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picowatts to Megawatts
Picowatt 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. Specifically: Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units, and megawatt is 1000000 watt units.
Formula
megawatts = picowatts × 1e-18
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 megawatt equals 1000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct picowatt-to-megawatt factor of 1e-18.
Simple example
1 pW × 1e-18 = 1e-18 MW
1 picowatt = 1e-18 megawatts.
Real-world example
100 pW × 1e-18 = 1e-16 MW
100 picowatts = 1e-16 megawatts.
Conversion table
| Picowatt (pW) | Megawatt (MW) |
|---|---|
| 1 pW | 1e-18 MW |
| 10 pW | 1e-17 MW |
| 50 pW | 5e-17 MW |
| 100 pW | 1e-16 MW |
| 500 pW | 5e-16 MW |
| 1,000 pW | 1e-15 MW |
Reverse conversion: Megawatt to Picowatt
1e-18 MW × 1e+18 = 1 pW
1e-18 megawatts = 1 picowatt.
picowatts = megawatts × 1e+18
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Megawatt to Picowatt.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Understanding the Megawatt (MW)
Megawatt is 1000000 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many megawatts are in 1 picowatt?
1 picowatt equals 1e-18 megawatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert picowatt to megawatt?
Multiply the picowatt value by 1e-18. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert megawatt back to picowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 megawatt equals 1e+18 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 megawatt?
Megawatt (MW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the picowatt to megawatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both picowatt and megawatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-18 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.