A gauss (G) is a unit measuring magnetic flux density, or how strong a magnetic field is. It’s named after mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and is commonly used in EMF measurements.
One gauss equals 100 microteslas. Most household EMF meters display magnetic field readings in milligauss (mG), where 1 mG = 0.001 gauss.
The gauss is a unit of magnetic field strength that you’ll encounter constantly when measuring EMF. Named after Carl Friedrich Gauss, the 19th-century mathematician who contributed foundational work in magnetism, it remains the preferred unit for consumer EMF meters despite being technically superseded by the tesla in scientific contexts.
The conversion between units is straightforward: 1 gauss equals 100 microteslas, or 1 tesla equals 10,000 gauss. For household EMF measurements, we typically work in milligauss (mG)—one thousandth of a gauss—because the magnetic fields from appliances and wiring are relatively weak.
Practical context helps illustrate scale. Earth’s natural magnetic field measures about 250-650 milligauss (depending on location). A refrigerator motor might produce 10-20 mG at one foot. An electric blanket can generate 50-100 mG directly on the body. Power lines might produce 2-4 mG at typical residential distances.
Why does this matter? Building biology guidelines suggest keeping sleeping area exposure below 1 mG when possible. Some countries have adopted regulatory limits in the range of 2,000-4,000 mG—though critics argue these thermal-based limits don’t account for potential non-thermal effects.
When you’re shopping for an EMF meter, you’ll see most consumer models labeled as ‘gauss meters’ or displaying readings in milligauss. Understanding this unit helps you interpret measurements, compare readings to guidelines, and make informed decisions about reducing magnetic field exposure in your environment.
