Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Picowatts to Gigawatts Converter — pW to GW
Convert Picowatt (pW) to Gigawatt (GW) using the exact conversion factor (1 picowatt = 1e-21 gigawatt). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picowatts to Gigawatts 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.
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 1e+9.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picowatts to Gigawatts
Picowatt and Gigawatt 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: Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units, and gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Formula
gigawatts = picowatts × 1e-21
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 gigawatt equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct picowatt-to-gigawatt factor of 1e-21.
Simple example
1 pW × 1e-21 = 1e-21 GW
1 picowatt = 1e-21 gigawatts.
Real-world example
100 pW × 1e-21 = 1e-19 GW
100 picowatts = 1e-19 gigawatts.
Conversion table
| Picowatt (pW) | Gigawatt (GW) |
|---|---|
| 1 pW | 1e-21 GW |
| 10 pW | 1e-20 GW |
| 100 pW | 1e-19 GW |
| 500 pW | 5e-19 GW |
| 1,000 pW | 1e-18 GW |
| 5,000 pW | 5e-18 GW |
Reverse conversion: Gigawatt to Picowatt
1e-21 GW × 1e+21 = 1 pW
1e-21 gigawatts = 1 picowatt.
picowatts = gigawatts × 1e+21
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Gigawatt to Picowatt.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Understanding the Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many gigawatts are in 1 picowatt?
1 picowatt equals 1e-21 gigawatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert picowatt to gigawatt?
Multiply the picowatt value by 1e-21. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert gigawatt back to picowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 gigawatt equals 1e+21 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 power.
What is a gigawatt?
Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power.
Is the picowatt to gigawatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both picowatt and gigawatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-21 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.