How to Convert Megawatts to Watts (MW to W)
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 watts by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert megawatts to watts, multiply the value by 1,000,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 1.000000e-06). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000,000.
Watts = megawatts × 1,000,000
Worked examples
- 3 MW = 3,000,000 W
- 12.5 MW = 12,500,000 W
- 75 MW = 75,000,000 W
Megawatts to Watts table
| Megawatts | Watts |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 1,000,000 W |
| 2 MW | 2,000,000 W |
| 5 MW | 5,000,000 W |
| 10 MW | 10,000,000 W |
| 20 MW | 20,000,000 W |
| 25 MW | 25,000,000 W |
| 50 MW | 50,000,000 W |
| 100 MW | 100,000,000 W |
| 250 MW | 250,000,000 W |
| 500 MW | 500,000,000 W |
| 1,000 MW | 1,000,000,000 W |
Common questions
Is MW to W 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 Watts to Megawatts converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Background
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
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.
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.
For any value, use the Megawatts to Watts Converter or browse all power converters.
Run your own numbers: Megawatts to Watts Converter