Gigahertz (GHz) - Unit Information & Conversion
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What is a Gigahertz?
Gigahertz (GHz) is a frequency unit equal to 1,000,000,000 hertz (1 billion cycles per second). Standard unit for modern CPU speeds (3-5 GHz), WiFi frequencies (2.4/5 GHz), microwave radiation, and satellite communications.
History of the Gigahertz
Prefix "giga" from Greek gigas (giant) combined with hertz. Became common in computing with gigahertz-range processors in the early 2000s. Essential for modern wireless and computing technology.
Quick Answer
What is a Gigahertz? A gigahertz (GHz) equals 1,000,000,000 hertz (1 billion cycles/second) or 1,000 megahertz. Modern CPUs run at 3-5 GHz, WiFi uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and microwave ovens operate at 2.45 GHz. 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz. Use our frequency converter for instant conversions.
Definition
1 GHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz = 1,000 MHz = 0.001 THz
Common Uses
Computer Processors: Modern CPUs run at 3.0-5.7 GHz (base and boost clocks). WiFi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for wireless networking. Microwave Ovens: 2.45 GHz magnetron frequency. 5G Cellular: Uses sub-6 GHz and mmWave (24-71 GHz) bands.
Gigahertz Conversion Formulas
To Hertz:
To Millihertz:
To Kilohertz:
To Megahertz:
To Terahertz:
To Revolutions per Minute:
To Revolutions per Second:
To Beats per Minute:
To Cycles per Second:
To Radians per Second:
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern standards:
- Desktop CPU: 3.5-5.0 GHz (base), up to 5.8 GHz (boost)
- Laptop CPU: 2.5-4.0 GHz (base), 4.5-5.0 GHz (boost)
- Gaming: 4.0+ GHz recommended Higher GHz = faster per-core performance, but total performance also depends on core count, architecture, and cache.
Convert Gigahertz
Need to convert Gigahertz to other frequency units? Use our conversion tool.
Gigahertz Quick Info
Related Frequency Units
Popular Conversions
- Gigahertz to HertzConvert →1 GHz = 1000000000 Hz
- Gigahertz to MillihertzConvert →1 GHz = 1000000000000 mHz
- Gigahertz to KilohertzConvert →1 GHz = 1000000 kHz
- Gigahertz to MegahertzConvert →1 GHz = 1000 MHz
- Gigahertz to TerahertzConvert →1 GHz = 0.001 THz
- Gigahertz to Revolutions per MinuteConvert →1 GHz = 60000000000 rpm