In this article, we will discuss how to convert Milliwatts (mW) to Watts (W) but first lets begin by defining what they are. Simply put Watt is the SI unit of power.
In the metric system, milli is the prefix for 10–³. Therefore, a milliwatt (mW) is equal to one thousandth of a watt. It is very easy to convert mW to W as they are both units of power and are directly related.
Formula to Convert Milliwatts to Watts.
Since we know that a mW is equal to one thousandth of a watt.
Therefore, to convert power given in mW to W, we divide the milliwatt value by 1,000.
Power in W = Power in mW ÷ 1,000
Example 1
Convert 5,000 mW to W.
= 5,000 ÷ 1,000
= 5 watts
Example 2:
Suppose you have a power meter that showed a power draw of 2 watts and 600 milliwatts. Convert this the power drawn to Watts.
Convert mW to W
= 600 ÷ 1,000
= 0.6 Watts
Put them Together.
= 2 + 0.6
= 2.6 Watts
Example 3.
Suppose a LED bulb uses just seven thousand mW while a fluorescent light bulb consumes 1600 mW. Calculate the difference in power in watts used by the two bulbs.
LED bulb
= 7000 ÷ 1,000
= 7 Watts
Fluorescent bulb.
= 1600 ÷ 1,000
= 1.6 Watts
Difference.
= 7W – 1.6W
= 5.4 Watts.
Example 4.
Suppose an OLED TV consumes 60000 milliwatts per hour. If you left it on for three and a half hours, calculate the power it consumed in Watts.
mW to W
= 60,000 ÷ 1,000
= 60 Watts.
If one hour is 60 watts, what about 31/2 hours
= 60 x 3.5
= 210 Watts.
mW to W Conversion Table.
| Power in mW | Power in W |
| 1mW | 0.001W |
| 2mW | 0.002W |
| 3mW | 0.003W |
| 4mW | 0.004W |
| 5mW | 0.005W |
| 6mW | 0.006W |
| 7mW | 0.007W |
| 8mW | 0.008W |
| 9mW | 0.009W |
| 10mW | 0.010W |
| 20mW | 0.020W |
| 30mW | 0.030W |
| 40mW | 0.040W |
| 50mW | 0.050W |
| 60mW | 0.060W |
| 70mW | 0.070W |
| 80mW | 0.080W |
| 100mW | 0.100W |
