Convert Gigakelvin to Megakelvin
Convert gigakelvins to megakelvins instantly. 1 GK = 1000 MK — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a reference-temperature table and worked examples. Also check the Megakelvin to Gigakelvin converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Gigakelvin
One gigakelvin (GK) is one billion kelvins (10⁹ K).
Formed with the SI prefix 'giga-' (from Greek 'gigas', giant) applied to the kelvin base unit.
Extreme astrophysics — collapsing supernova cores reach roughly 100 GK, and Big Bang nucleosynthesis took place at about 1 GK.
The giga- prefix was adopted by the CGPM in 1960 as part of the SI.
Megakelvin
One megakelvin (MK) is one million kelvins (10⁶ K).
Formed with the SI prefix 'mega-' (from Greek 'megas', great) applied to the kelvin base unit.
Astrophysics and fusion science — the Sun's core burns at about 15.7 MK, and the solar corona runs at 1–3 MK.
The mega- prefix dates to the 1873 British Association system and entered the SI in 1960.
Gigakelvin to Megakelvin conversion formula
The exact relationship between gigakelvins and megakelvins:
To convert gigakelvins to megakelvins, multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1000. To reverse, multiply the value in megakelvins by 1/1000.
Both units count upward from absolute zero, so 0 GK = 0 MK and the relationship is a pure ratio.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in megakelvins updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Megakelvin to Gigakelvin converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert gigakelvins to megakelvins
- Write down the temperature in gigakelvins (GK).
- Multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1000.
- The result is the same temperature expressed in megakelvins (MK).
- To reverse, multiply the value in megakelvins by 1/1000 — or open the Megakelvin to Gigakelvin converter.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 GK to MK:
1 × 1000 = 1000 MK
Example 2 — Convert 100 GK to MK:
100 × 1000 = 100000 MK
Gigakelvin to Megakelvin conversion table
Physically meaningful reference temperatures, from absolute zero to the surface of the Sun, converted from gigakelvins to megakelvins:
| Gigakelvin [GK] | Megakelvin [MK] | Reference point |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | Absolute zero |
| 2.3315e-7 | 0.00023315 | Where Celsius and Fahrenheit coincide (−40°) |
| 2.553722e-7 | 0.0002553722 | Zero Fahrenheit (0 °F) |
| 2.7315e-7 | 0.00027315 | Water freezes (0 °C / 32 °F) |
| 2.7316e-7 | 0.00027316 | Triple point of water |
| 2.8315e-7 | 0.00028315 | Cool day (10 °C / 50 °F) |
| 2.9315e-7 | 0.00029315 | Room temperature (20 °C / 68 °F) |
| 2.9815e-7 | 0.00029815 | Standard laboratory temperature (25 °C) |
| 3.0315e-7 | 0.00030315 | Hot day (30 °C / 86 °F) |
| 3.1015e-7 | 0.00031015 | Human body temperature (37 °C / 98.6 °F) |
| 3.1315e-7 | 0.00031315 | Heat-wave day (40 °C / 104 °F) |
| 3.2315e-7 | 0.00032315 | Hot tap water (50 °C / 122 °F) |
| 3.7315e-7 | 0.00037315 | Water boils (100 °C / 212 °F) |
| 4.5315e-7 | 0.00045315 | Moderate baking oven (180 °C / 356 °F) |
| 5.778e-6 | 0.005778 | Surface of the Sun (≈5,505 °C) |
Frequently asked questions
How many megakelvins is 1 gigakelvin?
How do I convert gigakelvins to megakelvins?
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How many megakelvins is 100 gigakelvins?
Can a temperature be below absolute zero?
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SI Prefixed Kelvin (4 units)
Sources & references
Conversion relationship (1 GK = 1000 MK) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- BIPM — International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)
The internationally agreed practical temperature scale, defining fixed points (including the triple point of water at 273.16 K) and interpolation instruments used by national metrology institutes for thermometer calibration worldwide.
- CODATA Internationally Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants
Committee on Data of the International Science Council; authoritative source for the masses of fundamental particles (electron, proton, neutron) and the atomic mass constant.