Convert Megakelvin to Gigakelvin
Convert megakelvins to gigakelvins instantly. 1 MK = 0.001 GK — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a reference-temperature table and worked examples. Also check the Gigakelvin to Megakelvin converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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
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 to Gigakelvin conversion formula
The exact relationship between megakelvins and gigakelvins:
To convert megakelvins to gigakelvins, multiply the value in megakelvins by 1/1000. To reverse, multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1000.
Both units count upward from absolute zero, so 0 MK = 0 GK and the relationship is a pure ratio.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in gigakelvins updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Gigakelvin to Megakelvin converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert megakelvins to gigakelvins
- Write down the temperature in megakelvins (MK).
- Multiply the value in megakelvins by 1/1000.
- The result is the same temperature expressed in gigakelvins (GK).
- To reverse, multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1000 — or open the Gigakelvin to Megakelvin converter.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 MK to GK:
1 × 1/1000 = 0.001 GK
Example 2 — Convert 100 MK to GK:
100 × 1/1000 = 0.1 GK
Megakelvin to Gigakelvin conversion table
Physically meaningful reference temperatures, from absolute zero to the surface of the Sun, converted from megakelvins to gigakelvins:
| Megakelvin [MK] | Gigakelvin [GK] | Reference point |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | Absolute zero |
| 0.00023315 | 2.3315e-7 | Where Celsius and Fahrenheit coincide (−40°) |
| 0.0002553722 | 2.553722e-7 | Zero Fahrenheit (0 °F) |
| 0.00027315 | 2.7315e-7 | Water freezes (0 °C / 32 °F) |
| 0.00027316 | 2.7316e-7 | Triple point of water |
| 0.00028315 | 2.8315e-7 | Cool day (10 °C / 50 °F) |
| 0.00029315 | 2.9315e-7 | Room temperature (20 °C / 68 °F) |
| 0.00029815 | 2.9815e-7 | Standard laboratory temperature (25 °C) |
| 0.00030315 | 3.0315e-7 | Hot day (30 °C / 86 °F) |
| 0.00031015 | 3.1015e-7 | Human body temperature (37 °C / 98.6 °F) |
| 0.00031315 | 3.1315e-7 | Heat-wave day (40 °C / 104 °F) |
| 0.00032315 | 3.2315e-7 | Hot tap water (50 °C / 122 °F) |
| 0.00037315 | 3.7315e-7 | Water boils (100 °C / 212 °F) |
| 0.00045315 | 4.5315e-7 | Moderate baking oven (180 °C / 356 °F) |
| 0.005778 | 5.778e-6 | Surface of the Sun (≈5,505 °C) |
Frequently asked questions
How many gigakelvins is 1 megakelvin?
How do I convert megakelvins to gigakelvins?
How do I convert gigakelvins back to megakelvins?
How many gigakelvins is 100 megakelvins?
Can a temperature be below absolute zero?
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Sources & references
Conversion relationship (1 MK = 0.001 GK) 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.