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Select a measurement and convert between different units
Single conversion
To convert from Milliwatt (mW) to Watt (W), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Milliwatt (mW) to Watt (W).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Milliwatt (mW) is equal to Watt (W).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Milliwatt (mW) to Watt (W):
| Milliwatts | Watts |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mW | W |
| 0.001 mW | W |
| 0.1 mW | W |
| 1 mW | W |
| 2 mW | W |
| 3 mW | W |
| 4 mW | W |
| 5 mW | W |
| 6 mW | W |
| 7 mW | W |
| 8 mW | W |
| 9 mW | W |
| 10 mW | W |
| 20 mW | W |
| 30 mW | W |
| 40 mW | W |
| 50 mW | W |
| 100 mW | W |
| 1000 mW | W |
| 10000 mW | W |
A milliwatt (mW) is a unit used to measure power.
It is equal to one-thousandth of a watt.
To put it simply, you need 1,000 milliwatts to equal one watt (1 W = 1,000 mW).
The milliwatt (mW) is the perfect unit for measuring the small amount of power used by many common electronic devices.
For example, the power of a Wi-Fi signal, the laser in a Blu-ray player, and the tiny LEDs on your electronics are all measured in milliwatts.
Using such small amounts of power is key to making the batteries last longer in your favorite gadgets, including wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and TV remotes.
While the most common conversion is between milliwatts and watts (1,000 mW = 1 W), some technical fields use a different unit.
In telecommunications and fiber optics, power is often measured in dBm (decibels relative to one milliwatt). This scale makes it easier to work with a vast range of power levels.
For reference, 0 dBm is equal to exactly 1 mW.
When it comes to products with lasers, the milliwatt (mW) rating is a critical safety measure.
To prevent eye injuries, regulatory bodies like the FDA classify lasers based on their power output in milliwatts.
For example, handheld laser pointers sold to the public are legally required in most regions to have a power output of less than 5 mW.
This is a clear example of how milliwatt ratings are used to keep consumers safe.
A watt (W) is the basic unit of power used to measure the rate of energy transfer.
In simple terms, it tells you how much energy a device uses per second. For example, a 60-watt light bulb uses 60 joules of energy every second.
In electrical systems, the formula is Watts = Volts × Amps.
The unit of power, the watt (W), is named in honor of James Watt, an 18th-century Scottish inventor and engineer.
His groundbreaking improvements to the steam engine were a key part of the Industrial Revolution. Naming the unit after him honors his major contributions to energy science.
Formally, a watt is defined as the rate of energy transfer equal to one joule per second.
In electrical systems, one watt is the power produced when a current of one ampere (A) flows through an electrical potential difference of one volt (V).
This fundamental relationship is a cornerstone of electrical engineering.
The relationship between power (P), voltage (V), and current (I) is expressed by the simple formula:
P = V × I
Where:
Understanding watts helps you see how much energy your common devices consume.
This is essential for comparing the energy efficiency of appliances and understanding your electricity bill. Here are some practical examples:
By checking the wattage on your devices, you can get a better sense of which ones use the most power in your home.