Watt Converter
Convert Watt to Gigawatt and more • 80 conversions
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Unit Explanations
WattW
Source UnitThe watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
Fun Fact
One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
GigawattGW
Target UnitA gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power equal to one billion watts (10^9 watts). It is used to measure the output of large power plants and the consumption of power in large electrical systems. The gigawatt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI) and is commonly used in the context of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution. One gigawatt can supply the electrical needs of approximately 750,000 homes, depending on the average consumption per household. The unit is crucial for understanding energy production and consumption at a large scale.
Current Use
Today, gigawatts are commonly referenced in discussions of energy policy, electric grid capacity, and renewable energy projects. Countries around the world use gigawatts to express the output of their power plants. For instance, many hydroelectric plants and nuclear power facilities are rated in gigawatts, indicating their ability to generate large amounts of electricity. In energy reports, gigawatts are also utilized to compare the power generation capabilities of different countries and technologies.
Fun Fact
The largest solar power plant in the world, located in India, has a capacity of 2.245 GW.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Watt
power • SI Unit
Definition
The watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
History & Origin
The watt is named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. The unit was introduced to provide a consistent measure of power, reflecting Watt's contributions to power engineering.
Etymology: Named after James Watt, a pioneer in steam engine development.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
💡 Fun Facts
- •One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
- •The watt is the power required to lift a small apple one meter in one second.
- •James Watt's improvements to the steam engine greatly increased its efficiency and power output.
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Gigawatt
power • Non-SI
Definition
A gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power equal to one billion watts (10^9 watts). It is used to measure the output of large power plants and the consumption of power in large electrical systems. The gigawatt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI) and is commonly used in the context of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution. One gigawatt can supply the electrical needs of approximately 750,000 homes, depending on the average consumption per household. The unit is crucial for understanding energy production and consumption at a large scale.
History & Origin
The term gigawatt was first introduced in the mid-20th century as electrical power systems expanded rapidly. The adoption of the metric system led to a need for larger units to quantify power output efficiently. The gigawatt became particularly relevant as nuclear and fossil fuel power plants began to be built with capacities exceeding 1,000 megawatts, necessitating a new nomenclature for ease of communication and standardization in engineering and commercial contexts.
Etymology: The word 'gigawatt' is derived from the metric prefix 'giga-', which means one billion (10^9), combined with 'watt', named after the Scottish inventor James Watt, who made significant contributions to the development of the steam engine.
Current Use
Today, gigawatts are commonly referenced in discussions of energy policy, electric grid capacity, and renewable energy projects. Countries around the world use gigawatts to express the output of their power plants. For instance, many hydroelectric plants and nuclear power facilities are rated in gigawatts, indicating their ability to generate large amounts of electricity. In energy reports, gigawatts are also utilized to compare the power generation capabilities of different countries and technologies.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The largest solar power plant in the world, located in India, has a capacity of 2.245 GW.
- •One gigawatt is equivalent to approximately 1.34 million horsepower.
- •The term 'gigawatt' became widely known after its use in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.