🔌 Electrical Converter
Convert millivolts to volts, milliamps to amps, watts to kilowatts, and ohms to kilohms. Select compatible units — cross-quantity conversions show Ohm's law reference.
Enter a value above to see the result
Common Electrical Conversions
| Input | Unit | Result | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Watt | 1 | Kilowatt |
| 1500 | Milliamp | 1.5 | Ampere |
| 120 | Volt | 120000 | Millivolt |
| 1 | Kilohm | 1000 | Ohm |
| 5 | Kilowatt | 0.005 | Megawatt |
| 500 | Milliwatt | 0.5 | Watt |
Formula Reference
Ohm's Law (relates V, I, R — requires knowing two to find the third): V = I × R • I = V ÷ R • R = V ÷ I Power relationships: P = V × I • P = I² × R • P = V² ÷ R This converter handles within-quantity conversions (V↔mV↔kV, W↔kW↔MW, etc.). Cross-quantity conversions (e.g., watts to volts) require a third known value.
About Electrical Conversions
Electrical quantities are measured in four fundamental units: voltage (volts, V), current (amperes, A), resistance (ohms, Ω), and power (watts, W). Within each quantity, unit prefixes follow the standard SI system — millivolts, kilovolts, milliamps, kilowatts, and so on — and convert with simple factors of 10. This tool handles those within-quantity conversions. Converting between different quantities (say, watts to volts) requires knowing a third variable through Ohm's Law.
Ohm's Law links voltage, current, and resistance: V = I × R (voltage equals current times resistance). Power adds a fourth relationship: P = V × I (power equals voltage times current). Together these give P = I² × R and P = V²/R. These relationships are fundamental to every electrical circuit, from smartphone batteries to industrial generators. A 100-watt bulb on a 120-volt circuit draws about 0.833 amps and has a resistance of about 144 ohms.
Practical reference points: household AC power in the US runs at 120 V and 60 Hz; in Europe, 230 V at 50 Hz. A typical AA battery delivers 1.5 V DC. USB charging was standardized at 5 V and has evolved to 20 V under USB Power Delivery. Residential electrical panels are typically rated at 100–200 amps total capacity. Electric vehicle chargers range from 1.4 kW (Level 1, standard outlet) to 350 kW (DC fast charging).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts are in a kilowatt?
There are exactly 1,000 watts in one kilowatt. Power bills are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. A standard electric kettle uses about 1.5–2 kW, a laptop about 45–65 W, and a LED bulb about 8–15 W.
What is Ohm's Law?
Ohm's Law states that voltage equals current times resistance: V = I × R. This means if you double the resistance in a circuit while keeping voltage constant, current halves. If you double the voltage while keeping resistance constant, current doubles. It is one of the most fundamental relationships in electronics and applies to DC circuits and AC circuits at a basic level.
Why can't I convert volts to watts directly?
Volts (voltage) and watts (power) measure different physical quantities. Power = Voltage × Current, so converting volts to watts requires also knowing the current in amps. For example, 12 V at 2 A = 24 W; 12 V at 0.5 A = 6 W. Without the current value, the conversion is undefined. This tool converts within-quantity prefixes only (mV↔V↔kV, W↔kW, etc.).
What is the difference between AC and DC voltage?
DC (direct current) flows in one direction at a constant voltage — batteries and USB chargers output DC. AC (alternating current) reverses direction at a set frequency (60 Hz in North America, 50 Hz in Europe). AC is used for mains power because it transmits more efficiently over long distances. The 120 V or 230 V listed for household outlets is the RMS (root mean square) value, equivalent to the DC voltage that would deliver the same power.
How many milliamps are in an amp?
There are exactly 1,000 milliamps (mA) in one ampere (A). Small electronics like phones and Bluetooth devices use currents in the milliamp range. Standard USB 2.0 provides up to 500 mA; USB-C fast charging can deliver 5 A or more. Residential circuits are typically rated at 15–20 A. Industrial motors and EV charging can draw hundreds of amps.
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All conversion results are provided for general informational purposes only. Our formulas use internationally recognized conversion factors; however, rounding may affect precision. Do not rely on these results for professional, medical, legal, or engineering decisions without independent verification. Read our full disclaimer.