Voltage Converter
Convert Volts, Kilovolts, Millivolts, and more.
Typical Voltage Levels
| Source | Volts (V) | Kilovolts (kV) |
|---|---|---|
| AA Battery | 1.5 V | 0.0015 kV |
| Car Battery | 12 V | 0.012 kV |
| Household Mains (US) | 120 V | 0.12 kV |
| Power Transmission Line | 110,000+ V | 110+ kV |
What is Voltage?
Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is the pressure that pushes electric charge through a conductor.
Unit Explanations
Volt (V)
The SI derived unit of electric potential. One volt is defined as the difference in electric potential between two points of a conducting wire when an electric current of one ampere dissipates one watt of power.
Kilovolt (kV)
Equal to 1,000 volts. Commonly used to describe high-voltage power transmission lines and medical X-ray machines.
Millivolt (mV)
One thousandth of a volt (0.001 V). Used in low-voltage electronics and biological signals (e.g., nerve impulses).
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The Force That Moves Electrons
Voltage, often referred to as electric potential difference, is the heartbeat of any electrical system. It is the "pressure" that allows charge to flow. Without voltage, electrons would drift aimlessly; with it, they form the powerful currents that light our cities and power our logic gates.
From the tiny millivolt signals firing in your neurons to the colossal kilovolt transmission lines spanning continents, understanding and converting these units is essential for electricians, engineers, and curious minds alike. Our Voltage Converter simplifies this vast range into an easy-to-use tool.
The Water Analogy
The easiest way to visualize voltage is to think of electricity as water flowing through a pipe:
- Voltage (Volts) is the Water Pressure.
- Current (Amps) is the Flow Rate of the water.
- Resistance (Ohms) is the Pipe Width (or a clog).
High voltage is like high pressure: it can push water (or electrons) through very thin pipes (high resistance) or over very long distances.
Key Unit Prefixes
Voltage in the Real World
Voltage scales dramatically depending on the application. Here is a sense of scale for the numbers you might be converting:
AA, AAA, and 9V batteries used in toys and remotes.
The power coming out of your wall socket.
Car batteries and truck electrical systems.
High voltage lines on massive steel towers.
The electrical signal measured by an ECG.
The massive discharge of atmospheric static.
⚠️ Safety First: High Voltage
You may have heard the saying, "It's not the volts that kill you, it's the amps." While technically true (current stops the heart), it is misleading. High voltage is the mechanism that forces that dangerous current through your body's resistance.
Always treat any voltage above 50V AC or 120V DC as potentially lethal. Never work on mains electricity unless you are qualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Voltage simply explained?
Voltage, technically called electric potential difference, is the force that pushes electric charges through a conductor. The best analogy is water pressure: if you have a tank of water high up, it has high pressure (voltage) to push water through a pipe. In a battery, one side has a surplus of electrons and the other has a deficit; voltage is the 'pressure' yearning to equalize them.
What is the difference between AC and DC Voltage?
DC (Direct Current) voltage pushes electrons in a single, constant direction (like a battery). AC (Alternating Current) voltage pushes electrons back and forth in a wave pattern (like the power outlet in your wall). Most electronics run on DC internally but use AC for power transmission because AC is easier to transform to different voltage levels.
How do I convert Kilovolts (kV) to Volts (V)?
The prefix 'Kilo' means 1,000. Therefore, 1 kV = 1,000 Volts. To convert kilovolts to volts, simply multiply by 1,000. Conversely, to convert volts to kilovolts, divide by 1,000.
Is high voltage always dangerous?
While high voltage has the potential to be dangerous, it is the current (Amps) flowing through your body that causes damage. However, high voltage can facilitate that current flow by breaking down the resistance of your skin (dielectric breakdown). A static shock might be 20,000 Volts but has tiny current, so it just stings. A power line at 10,000 Volts has massive current capacity and is lethal.
Why do different countries use different voltages (110V vs 220V)?
Historical choices between safety and efficiency drove this split. 110V/120V (US, Japan) is generally considered safer because electric shocks are less likely to be fatal. 220V/240V (Europe, Asia) is more efficient, allowing for thinner wires and less energy loss over distance. Most modern electronics have 'switching power supplies' that can handle both ranges (100V-240V).
What are Millivolts (mV) used for?
Millivolts (1/1000th of a Volt) are used for very small electrical signals. This includes the output of sensors (like thermocouples), microphone signals, and even the electrical impulses in the human human body—nerve cells fire with signals measured in millivolts.
How does Ohm's Law relate to Voltage?
Ohm’s Law is the fundamental equation: V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance). It means that Voltage is the result of Current flowing against Resistance. If you know any two values, you can calculate the third. This is crucial for circuit design.
What is a Megavolt (MV)?
A Megavolt is 1,000,000 Volts. This magnitude is rarely seen in daily life but is common in high-energy physics (particle accelerators), massive industrial power transmission tests, and natural phenomena like lightning strikes, which can exceed 100 Megavolts!
Can I use a 110V device in a 220V outlet?
NO! Unless the device explicitly says 'Input: 100-240V', plugging a 110V device into a 220V outlet will likely fry the device instantly, burn out the fuse, or cause a fire. You need a voltage step-down converter.
How is voltage measured?
Voltage is measured using a Voltmeter or a Multimeter set to the 'V' setting. The measurement is always taken in parallel to the component you are measuring (i.e., you touch the probes to the two points where you want to know the potential difference).