Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Gigawatts to Kilowatts Converter — GW to kW
Convert Gigawatt (GW) to Kilowatt (kW) using the exact conversion factor (1 gigawatt = 1,000,000 kilowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Gigawatts to Kilowatts converter
Converter
Power Converter
Convert watts, horsepower, refrigeration tons, BTU per hour, and engineering power units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Result = input x 1e+9 / 1000.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Gigawatts to Kilowatts
Gigawatt and Kilowatt both describe power output, and the conversion is a routine part of comparing an engine or motor's spec sheet across countries that use different power units. Specifically: Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units, and kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Formula
kilowatts = gigawatts × 1000000
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 gigawatt equals 1000000000 base units, and 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct gigawatt-to-kilowatt factor of 1000000.
Simple example
1 GW × 1000000 = 1,000,000 kW
1 gigawatt = 1,000,000 kilowatts.
Real-world example
100 GW × 1000000 = 100,000,000 kW
100 gigawatts = 100,000,000 kilowatts.
Conversion table
| Gigawatt (GW) | Kilowatt (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 GW | 1,000,000 kW |
| 10 GW | 10,000,000 kW |
| 100 GW | 100,000,000 kW |
| 500 GW | 500,000,000 kW |
| 1,000 GW | 1,000,000,000 kW |
| 5,000 GW | 5,000,000,000 kW |
Reverse conversion: Kilowatt to Gigawatt
1 kW × 0.000001 = 0.000001 GW
1 kilowatt = 0.000001 gigawatts.
gigawatts = kilowatts × 0.000001
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilowatt to Gigawatt.
Understanding the Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt is 1000000000 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 gigawatt?
1 gigawatt equals 1,000,000 kilowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert gigawatt to kilowatt?
Multiply the gigawatt value by 1000000. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilowatt back to gigawatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilowatt equals 0.000001 gigawatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a gigawatt?
Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power.
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 gigawatt to kilowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both gigawatt and kilowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1000000 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.