Temperature · Unit Converter

Convert Nanokelvin to Gigakelvin

Convert nanokelvins to gigakelvins instantly. 1 nK = 1e-18 GK — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a reference-temperature table and worked examples. Also check the Gigakelvin to Nanokelvin converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Temperature category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

SI Prefixed Kelvin

Nanokelvin

What is a nanokelvin?

One nanokelvin (nK) is one billionth of a kelvin (10⁻⁹ K) above absolute zero.

Origin of the nanokelvin

Formed with the SI prefix 'nano-' (from Greek 'nanos', dwarf) applied to the kelvin base unit.

Where it is used

The realm of Bose–Einstein condensates: the first condensate was created at about 170 nK in 1995, among the coldest temperatures ever achieved anywhere in the universe.

When and where it was developed

The nano- prefix was adopted by the 11th CGPM in 1960 at the launch of the International System of Units.

SI Prefixed Kelvin

Gigakelvin

What is a gigakelvin?

One gigakelvin (GK) is one billion kelvins (10⁹ K).

Origin of the gigakelvin

Formed with the SI prefix 'giga-' (from Greek 'gigas', giant) applied to the kelvin base unit.

Where it is used

Extreme astrophysics — collapsing supernova cores reach roughly 100 GK, and Big Bang nucleosynthesis took place at about 1 GK.

When and where it was developed

The giga- prefix was adopted by the CGPM in 1960 as part of the SI.

Nanokelvin to Gigakelvin conversion formula

The exact relationship between nanokelvins and gigakelvins:

GK = nK × 1e-18
nK = GK × 1e+18

To convert nanokelvins to gigakelvins, multiply the value in nanokelvins by 1e-18. To reverse, multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1e+18.

Both units count upward from absolute zero, so 0 nK = 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 Nanokelvin converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert nanokelvins to gigakelvins

  1. Write down the temperature in nanokelvins (nK).
  2. Multiply the value in nanokelvins by 1e-18.
  3. The result is the same temperature expressed in gigakelvins (GK).
  4. To reverse, multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1e+18 — or open the Gigakelvin to Nanokelvin converter.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 nK to GK:
1 × 1e-18 = 1e-18 GK

Example 2 — Convert 100 nK to GK:
100 × 1e-18 = 1e-16 GK

Nanokelvin to Gigakelvin conversion table

Physically meaningful reference temperatures, from absolute zero to the surface of the Sun, converted from nanokelvins to gigakelvins:

Nanokelvin [nK]Gigakelvin [GK]Reference point
00Absolute zero
2.3315e+112.3315e-7Where Celsius and Fahrenheit coincide (−40°)
2.553722e+112.553722e-7Zero Fahrenheit (0 °F)
2.7315e+112.7315e-7Water freezes (0 °C / 32 °F)
2.7316e+112.7316e-7Triple point of water
2.8315e+112.8315e-7Cool day (10 °C / 50 °F)
2.9315e+112.9315e-7Room temperature (20 °C / 68 °F)
2.9815e+112.9815e-7Standard laboratory temperature (25 °C)
3.0315e+113.0315e-7Hot day (30 °C / 86 °F)
3.1015e+113.1015e-7Human body temperature (37 °C / 98.6 °F)
3.1315e+113.1315e-7Heat-wave day (40 °C / 104 °F)
3.2315e+113.2315e-7Hot tap water (50 °C / 122 °F)
3.7315e+113.7315e-7Water boils (100 °C / 212 °F)
4.5315e+114.5315e-7Moderate baking oven (180 °C / 356 °F)
5.778e+125.778e-6Surface of the Sun (≈5,505 °C)

Frequently asked questions

How many gigakelvins is 1 nanokelvin?
1 nanokelvin equals 1e-18 gigakelvins.
How do I convert nanokelvins to gigakelvins?
Use the formula GK = nK × 1e-18: multiply the value in nanokelvins by 1e-18.
How do I convert gigakelvins back to nanokelvins?
Apply the reverse formula nK = GK × 1e+18 — multiply the value in gigakelvins by 1e+18 — or use the Gigakelvin to Nanokelvin converter.
How many gigakelvins is 100 nanokelvins?
100 nanokelvins equals 1e-16 gigakelvins, because 100 × 1e-18 = 1e-16.
Can a temperature be below absolute zero?
No. Absolute zero (0 K = −273.15 °C = −459.67 °F) is the floor of the thermodynamic temperature scale. The calculator flags any input that would fall below it.

Convert Nanokelvin to other temperature units

Show all Nanokelvin conversions

Sources & references

Conversion relationship (1 nK = 1e-18 GK) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.