How this conversion works
The volt is the SI unit of electric potential difference (one joule per coulomb). Metric multiples differ by powers of ten.
CGS units are included for older literature: 1 abvolt = 10⁻⁸ V and 1 statvolt ≈ 299.792458 V.
Very different voltages appear in practice: sensor and audio signals are measured in millivolts or microvolts, batteries and household supplies in volts, and transmission lines in kilovolts. Prefixes keep those numbers readable.
The converter changes only the unit. 11 kV and 11,000 V describe the same potential difference.
Formula: result = value × (base units per source unit) ÷ (base units per target unit)
Where this conversion is used
- Power line and distribution voltages in kV.
- Sensor and audio signals measured in millivolts or microvolts.
- Electronics datasheets and older CGS physics texts.
Worked example: 11 kV distribution line in volts
- 1 kV = 1,000 V.
- 11 × 1,000 = 11,000 V.
Unit definitions
| Unit | In volts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Volt (V) | 1 | |
| Kilovolt (kV) | 1,000 | |
| Megavolt (MV) | 1,000,000 | |
| Millivolt (mV) | 0.001 | |
| Microvolt (µV) | 0.000001 | |
| Abvolt (abV) | 1e-8 | |
| Statvolt (statV) | 299.792458 | ≈ 299.792458 V. |
Kilovolts to volts
| Kilovolt (kV) | Volt (V) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 100 |
| 1 | 1,000 |
| 11 | 11,000 |
| 33 | 33,000 |
| 132 | 132,000 |
| 400 | 400,000 |
Millivolts to volts
| Millivolt (mV) | Volt (V) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
Things to watch for
- Mains voltages are usually quoted as RMS values. If you start with an RMS value, the converted value is still RMS.
Precision and sources
Results are calculated from the definitions above and rounded to 12 significant digits; the converter shows up to eight decimal places and the tables four. Reference: BIPM, The International System of Units (SI Brochure), 9th edition (2019).
Frequently asked questions
Does this convert AC to DC?
No. It converts the size of a voltage between units; it does not change RMS, peak or AC/DC values.
How many volts are in a kilovolt?
1,000. Multiply kilovolts by 1,000 to get volts, or divide volts by 1,000 to get kilovolts.
How do I convert millivolts to volts?
Divide by 1,000. For example, 250 mV ÷ 1,000 = 0.25 V.