A picowatt (pW) is an SI-derived unit of power equal to one trillionth of a watt, used to describe extremely small power levels in scientific instruments.

What applications use gigawatts?

Gigawatts (GW) are used to measure very large power outputs, such as electrical generation from power plants and the capacity of large-scale energy grids.

Why convert from picowatts to gigawatts?

Such conversion helps link highly sensitive experimental power measurements to large-scale energy production values, providing perspective across diverse power scales.

How to Convert from Picowatt [pW] to Gigawatt [GW]?

Learn how to convert power values from picowatts to gigawatts, understanding the relationship between very small and very large units of power measurement.

Picowatt [pW]

Gigawatt [GW]

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Picowatt [pW] to Gigawatt [GW] Conversion Table

Picowatt [pW]	Gigawatt [GW]

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Picowatt [pW] to Gigawatt [GW] Conversion Table
Picowatt [pW]	Gigawatt [GW]

Explore More Power Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This online converter transforms power measurements from picowatts, representing extremely small energy rates, into gigawatts, which denote very large power scales commonly used in energy production and grid management.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the power value in picowatts (pW) into the input field.
Select picowatt as the source unit and gigawatt as the target unit.
Click the convert button to see the equivalent power in gigawatts (GW).

Key Features

Converts power units from picowatt (pW) to gigawatt (GW) accurately.
Easy-to-use interface for quick conversions.
Browser-based tool accessible without installation.
Supports scientific and engineering applications by bridging small-scale and large-scale power units.

Examples

5 picowatts equals 5 × 10⁻²¹ gigawatts, which is 5e-21 GW.
100 picowatts equals 100 × 10⁻²¹ gigawatts, resulting in 1e-19 GW.

Common Use Cases

Translating signal power measurements in sensitive cryogenic detectors and optical sensors into large-scale energy contexts.
Analyzing leakage or standby power in ultra-low-power microelectronics alongside national grid capacities.
Bridging nanoscopic power levels observed in scientific experiments with engineering scales for energy production planning.

Tips & Best Practices

Verify unit selections before conversion to ensure accuracy.
Use the converter to compare vastly different power scales meaningfully.
Consider the context of measurement, whether experimental or industrial, when interpreting results.

Limitations

Direct practical conversions between picowatts and gigawatts are uncommon and mostly theoretical due to their vast difference in magnitude.
Care should be taken with numerical precision when converting very small power values to extremely large units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a picowatt?: A picowatt (pW) is an SI-derived unit of power equal to one trillionth of a watt, used to describe extremely small power levels in scientific instruments.
What applications use gigawatts?: Gigawatts (GW) are used to measure very large power outputs, such as electrical generation from power plants and the capacity of large-scale energy grids.
Why convert from picowatts to gigawatts?: Such conversion helps link highly sensitive experimental power measurements to large-scale energy production values, providing perspective across diverse power scales.

Key Terminology

Picowatt (pW): An SI-derived power unit equal to 10⁻¹² watts, representing very small rates of energy transfer used in sensitive scientific instruments.
Gigawatt (GW): An SI unit of power equal to 10⁹ watts, used to express large-scale energy rates such as those from power plants and regional grids.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does 1 picowatt equal in gigawatts?

1e21 GW

1e-21 GW

1e-12 GW

Which unit is larger in scale?

Picowatt (pW)

Gigawatt (GW)

Both are the same

Which use case fits gigawatt measurement?

Measuring leakage power in IoT devices

Rating output of large power plants

Quantum device signal power

Share Us

Similar Calculators

Online Heat Flux Density Units Converter Online Weight and Mass Units Converter Online Fuel Consumption Units Converter Online Moment of Inertia Units Converter Online Length Units Converter