How to Convert Megawatts to Kilowatts (MW to kW)
Power conversions help compare car engines in hp and kW, and air-con units rated in BTU/h against their electrical draw in watts. This guide shows how to convert megawatts into kilowatts by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert megawatts to kilowatts, multiply the value by 1,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.001). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000.
Kilowatts = megawatts × 1,000
Worked examples
- 3 MW = 3,000 kW
- 12.5 MW = 12,500 kW
- 75 MW = 75,000 kW
Megawatts to Kilowatts table
| Megawatts | Kilowatts |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 1,000 kW |
| 2 MW | 2,000 kW |
| 5 MW | 5,000 kW |
| 10 MW | 10,000 kW |
| 20 MW | 20,000 kW |
| 25 MW | 25,000 kW |
| 50 MW | 50,000 kW |
| 100 MW | 100,000 kW |
| 250 MW | 250,000 kW |
| 500 MW | 500,000 kW |
| 1,000 MW | 1,000,000 kW |
Common questions
Is MW to kW exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Kilowatts to Megawatts converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Forgetting squared and cubed units
Area and volume factors are the length factor squared or cubed, so 1 m² is about 10.76 sq ft, not 3.28.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Background
Singapore adopted the metric system in the 1970s, replacing imperial units and traditional Chinese measures in most official uses. Metric units are now standard in schools, trade and government, but older units survive in property, markets and imported goods.
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
For any value, use the Megawatts to Kilowatts Converter or browse all power converters.
Run your own numbers: Megawatts to Kilowatts Converter