The watt is one joule per second.
Watts to Gigawatts Converter — W to GW
Convert Watt (W) to Gigawatt (GW) using the exact conversion factor (1 watt = 1e-9 gigawatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Watts 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 1 / 1e+9.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Watts to Gigawatts
Watt 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. Watt is most often used for electrical appliance power ratings worldwide.
Formula
gigawatts = watts × 1e-9
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 watt equals 1 base unit, and 1 gigawatt equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct watt-to-gigawatt factor of 1e-9.
Simple example
1 W × 1e-9 = 1e-9 GW
1 watt = 1e-9 gigawatts.
Real-world example
100 W × 1e-9 = 1e-7 GW
100 watts = 1e-7 gigawatts.
Conversion table
| Watt (W) | Gigawatt (GW) |
|---|---|
| 1 W | 1e-9 GW |
| 10 W | 1e-8 GW |
| 100 W | 1e-7 GW |
| 500 W | 5e-7 GW |
| 1,000 W | 0.000001 GW |
| 5,000 W | 0.000005 GW |
Reverse conversion: Gigawatt to Watt
1e-9 GW × 1000000000 = 1 W
1e-9 gigawatts = 1 watt.
watts = gigawatts × 1000000000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Gigawatt to Watt.
Understanding the Watt
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide
Uses of the Watt today
- Electrical appliance power ratings worldwide
- Light bulb brightness-equivalent labeling
- Engine and motor power specifications (alongside horsepower)
History of the Watt
The watt is named after James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine in the late 18th century were commercially pivotal; ironically, Watt himself used horsepower (a unit he helped popularize) to market his engines. The watt was formally adopted as a unit at the 1889 General Conference on Weights and Measures and became the SI derived unit of power in the 20th century.
Historical origin. Watt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt is 1000000000 watt units.
Watt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the watt as the SI unit of power.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many gigawatts are in 1 watt?
1 watt equals 1e-9 gigawatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert watt to gigawatt?
Multiply the watt value by 1e-9. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert gigawatt back to watt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 gigawatt equals 1,000,000,000 watts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a watt?
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a gigawatt?
Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power.
Is the watt to gigawatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both watt and gigawatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-9 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the watt still used today?
Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide