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Convert kW to MW

Convert kW to MW instantly. 1 kW = 0.001 MW. Formula, worked examples and a quick reference table.

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MW

One kilowatt equals 0.001 megawatts. To convert any number of kilowatts to megawatts, multiply by 0.001.

The converter above works in both directions and updates as you type. Below you will find the formula, a worked example and a reference table of common values.

Power is energy per unit time, and the conversions here are all between ways of expressing that rate. Watts and kilowatts are the SI forms; horsepower survives in engine ratings because James Watt coined it to sell steam engines against the animals they replaced. Confusing power with energy is the persistent error in this category: a wattage tells you nothing about consumption or cost until a duration is attached to it.

kW to MW formula

megawatt = kilowatt × 0.001

To go the other way, use kilowatt = megawatt ÷ 0.001.

About these units

A kilowatt is 1,000 watts, roughly 1.34 mechanical horsepower. It is the standard rating for electric motors, EV chargers and domestic supply capacity.

A megawatt is a million watts. Power stations and grid capacity are quoted in megawatts; a single large wind turbine is typically rated between two and six.

Kilowatt is also written kilowatts. Megawatt is also written megawatts.

Sources

  1. Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition, 2019.

kW to MW conversion table

Kilowatt Megawatt
1 kW 0.001 MW
2 kW 0.002 MW
3 kW 0.003 MW
5 kW 0.005 MW
10 kW 0.01 MW
20 kW 0.02 MW
25 kW 0.025 MW
50 kW 0.05 MW
100 kW 0.1 MW
250 kW 0.25 MW
500 kW 0.5 MW
1,000 kW 1 MW

Frequently asked questions

How many megawatts are in a kilowatt? +

There are 0.001 megawatts in one kilowatt.

What is 10 kW in MW? +

10 kW equals 0.01 MW. Multiply 10 by 0.001.

How do I convert megawatt back to kilowatt? +

Use kilowatt = megawatt ÷ 0.001. The converter above handles both directions, or see our dedicated MW to kW page.

How accurate is this kilowatt to megawatt conversion? +

The factor used is 0.001, carried at full double precision. Where a unit has an exact legal definition the factor is exact rather than approximate. Rounding is applied only to the displayed result, so the answer is never a calculation done on an already-rounded number.

Is there a quick way to estimate kW to MW in my head? +

Divide by 1,000. That matches the true factor of 0.001 exactly, so no adjustment is needed for a mental estimate.