Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between megawatt-hours (MWh) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a fundamental unit conversion in energy measurement. 1 MWh equals 1,000 kWh, as "kilo" represents 1,000 units in the metric system.
The conversion uses a simple multiplication:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion is straightforward because both units measure energy, just on different scales (megawatt-hours are 1,000 times larger than kilowatt-hours).
Details: Accurate energy unit conversion is essential for electricity billing, energy production reporting, comparing energy usage across different scales, and understanding energy contracts.
Tips: Enter the megawatt-hour value you want to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent kilowatt-hours. You can enter decimal values for precise calculations.
Q1: Why convert between MWh and kWh?
A: Different applications use different scales - utility-scale projects often use MWh while residential usage is typically measured in kWh.
Q2: How many homes can 1 MWh power?
A: Approximately 30-40 average U.S. homes for one day (based on 30 kWh daily usage).
Q3: What's the difference between MW and MWh?
A: MW measures power (instantaneous rate), MWh measures energy (power over time).
Q4: Are there larger units than MWh?
A: Yes, gigawatt-hours (GWh, 1,000 MWh) and terawatt-hours (TWh, 1,000 GWh) are used for national/international energy statistics.
Q5: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the 1,000x relationship is exact by metric system definition, not an approximation.