Why are some processor speeds listed in MHz and others in GHz?

Processor base and boost clock speeds are typically listed in GHz because modern CPUs operate above 1,000 MHz. However, memory frequencies (like DDR5 at 4,800 MHz), bus speeds, and some embedded processor speeds are often listed in MHz because they fall in ranges where MHz provides cleaner numbers. The choice is primarily about readability and convention.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

These refer to the two primary Wi-Fi frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz band (2,400 MHz) provides better range and wall penetration but offers lower speeds and is more congested. The 5 GHz band (5,000 MHz) delivers faster speeds and less interference but has shorter range. Modern Wi-Fi 6E also adds a 6 GHz band for even more capacity.

Is the conversion between MHz and GHz always exact?

Yes, the conversion is always mathematically exact because both units use standard SI metric prefixes based on powers of 10. There is no rounding involved. 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz = 1,000,000 kHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz, all exactly.

What frequency range does 5G use in MHz and GHz?

5G networks operate across three main frequency ranges: low-band below 1,000 MHz (below 1 GHz), mid-band from 1,000 MHz to 6,000 MHz (1-6 GHz), and high-band millimeter wave from 24,000 MHz to 100,000 MHz (24-100 GHz). The mid-band C-band around 3,500 MHz (3.5 GHz) is considered the sweet spot for balancing speed and coverage.

Convert Megahertz to Gigahertz

Megahertz (MHz)	Gigahertz (GHz)
1	0.001
10	0.01
100	0.1
500	0.5
1,000	1
2,400	2.4
3,500	3.5
5,000	5
5,800	5.8
10,000	10

How to Convert Megahertz to Gigahertz

Converting Megahertz (MHz) to Gigahertz (GHz) is a critical skill in modern computing, wireless networking, and telecommunications. The Megahertz represents one million cycles per second, while the Gigahertz represents one billion cycles per second, with one GHz equaling exactly 1,000 MHz. This conversion is most commonly encountered when discussing processor clock speeds, Wi-Fi frequencies, and 5G cellular networks. Modern CPUs operate in the GHz range, but individual core boost speeds and memory bus frequencies are sometimes specified in MHz. Wireless communication standards like Wi-Fi 6 operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, while 5G networks utilize frequencies ranging from sub-6 GHz to millimeter-wave bands above 24 GHz. Satellite communications, radar systems, and microwave links also operate in the GHz range. For engineers, researchers, and technology professionals, converting between MHz and GHz is an everyday task when reading datasheets, configuring equipment, or analyzing signal characteristics. This converter provides quick and accurate MHz to GHz conversion for any frequency value.

Conversion Formula

To convert Megahertz to Gigahertz, divide the MHz value by 1,000. This is because one Gigahertz equals exactly 1,000 Megahertz. The metric prefixes "mega" (10^6) and "giga" (10^9) differ by a factor of 1,000 (10^3), making this a simple three-decimal-place shift.

GHz = MHz / 1000

3500 megahertz = 3.5 gigahertz

Step-by-Step Example

To convert 3,500 MHz to GHz:

1. Start with 3,500 MHz

2. Divide by 1,000 (since 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz)

3. 3,500 / 1,000 = 3.5 GHz

This frequency is commonly used in 5G mid-band cellular networks, also known as the C-band, which provides a balance between coverage and capacity.

Understanding Megahertz and Gigahertz

What is a Megahertz?

The Megahertz became a household term during the personal computing revolution of the 1980s and 1990s. Early IBM PCs ran at 4.77 MHz, and the "MHz race" between Intel and AMD defined the CPU market for over a decade. The Intel Pentium 4 eventually pushed speeds above 3,000 MHz before the industry shifted to multi-core architectures. MHz also defined FM radio broadcasting (88-108 MHz) and early television frequency allocations.

What is a Gigahertz?

The Gigahertz entered mainstream vocabulary in March 2000 when AMD released the first consumer processor to reach 1 GHz, followed shortly by Intel. Since then, GHz has become the standard unit for processor speeds. In telecommunications, GHz became essential for describing microwave frequencies, satellite communications, and modern wireless standards. The proliferation of Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and 5G cellular technology has made GHz one of the most commonly referenced frequency units today.

Practical Applications

Computer hardware specifications regularly list processor base and boost clock speeds in GHz, while RAM frequencies may appear in MHz. Wi-Fi routers operate on 2,400 MHz (2.4 GHz) and 5,000 MHz (5 GHz) bands. 5G cellular networks use mid-band frequencies around 3,500 MHz (3.5 GHz). Satellite communication engineers convert between these units when working with C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies. Radar systems, microwave ovens (operating at 2,450 MHz or 2.45 GHz), and scientific instruments all utilize frequencies commonly expressed in either MHz or GHz.

Tips and Common Mistakes

A frequent error is confusing MHz and GHz when reading processor specifications, which can lead to performance misunderstandings by a factor of 1,000. When converting, remember that GHz values are always numerically smaller than their MHz equivalents. Be cautious not to confuse this metric conversion (factor of 1,000) with binary computing prefixes like GiB/MiB (factor of 1,024). Also note that some older documentation may use the terms "gigacycles" or "megacycles," which are equivalent to GHz and MHz respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are exactly 1,000 MHz in 1 GHz. This is a standard metric conversion where the "giga" prefix (10^9) is 1,000 times larger than the "mega" prefix (10^6). So a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal operates at 2,400 MHz.

Megahertz to Gigahertz Converter

Megahertz to Gigahertz Conversion Table