How many kilowatts are in 1 megawatt?

1 MW equals 1000 kW. This is an exact conversion factor defined by NIST.

How do I convert megawatts to kilowatts?

Multiply the value in MW by the conversion factor. For example, 10 MW = 10000 kW. Use our calculator above for instant results.

Is the megawatts to kilowatts conversion exact?

Yes, this conversion is mathematically exact based on the international definition of these units (NIST SP 811).

Can I convert megawatts to kilowatts offline?

Yes! Metric Converter runs entirely in your browser — no internet connection needed after the page loads. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy.

What is the difference between megawatts and kilowatts?

Megawatts (MW) and Kilowatts (kW) are both units of power but belong to different measurement systems. 1 MW = 1000 kW. Use the converter above to switch between them instantly.

Megawatts to Kilowatts (MW → kW) — Free Online Converter

MW	kW
0.01 MW	10 kW
0.1 MW	100 kW
0.5 MW	500 kW
1 MW	1000 kW
5 MW	5000 kW
10 MW	10000 kW
50 MW	50000 kW
100 MW	100000 kW
500 MW	500000 kW
1000 MW	1000000 kW

Why Convert Megawatts to Kilowatts?

Converting between megawatts (MW) and kilowatts (kW) is one of the most common power conversions. Whether for engineering, cooking, travel, or science, knowing how to quickly convert MW to kW saves time and prevents errors.

Power conversions (MW to kW) are essential for automotive enthusiasts, electrical engineers, and athletes. Car buyers frequently convert horsepower to kilowatts to compare engine performance across international brands. In electrical engineering, sizing generators and motors requires consistent power units to prevent overloads and ensure compatibility. Cyclists and rowers use power meters to track output in watts, converting these figures to estimate calorie burn or compare efforts. Misinterpreting power ratings can result in buying underpowered equipment or damaging electrical systems, highlighting the need for accurate conversion tools.

How to Convert Megawatts to Kilowatts

To convert megawatts to kilowatts, use the following formula:

kW = MW × 1000

Example: 1 MW = 1000 kW

For example, 5 MW = 5000 kW, 10 MW = 10000 kW, and 100 MW = 100000 kW. For larger values, 1000 MW = 1000000 kW. Conversely, 1 kW = 0.001 MW. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

kW vs kWh: kW is power (rate), kWh is energy (total used).
HP variations: Mechanical HP (~745.7W) vs Metric HP (~735.5W).
Apparent Power: Watts vs Volt-Amps (VA) differ due to power factor.

Pro Tips

LED bulbs: A 10W LED replaces a 60W incandescent (saves energy).
Appliance labels: Check the back label for Wattage to avoid overloading strips.
Solar panels: Ratings are 'Peak Watts' (ideal conditions), expect less in reality.

What is a Megawatt?

A unit of power equal to 1,000,000 Watts.

Power plant output.

What is a Kilowatt?

The kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. It measures the rate at which energy is used or generated.

Kilowatts are used to measure the power output of engines (motors), heaters, and residential electricity consumption rates.

Megawatts → Kilowatts

Megawatts to Kilowatts Formula

MW → kW Reference Table