Converting watts to gigawatts is a straightforward process essential for understanding large-scale power measurements. A watt (W) is the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), defined as one joule per second. In contrast, a gigawatt (GW) equals one billion (10^9) watts. To convert watts to gigawatts, divide the power value in watts by 1,000,000,000. For example, 5,000,000,000 watts divided by 1,000,000,000 equals 5 gigawatts. This conversion is particularly useful in contexts like power generation and consumption, where energy outputs are often expressed in gigawatts. For instance, large power plants, such as nuclear or hydroelectric facilities, typically have capacities measured in gigawatts. Understanding this conversion aids in comprehending the scale of energy production and consumption in various applications, from household electronics to national power grids.