Lab Unit Converter (mg/dL ↔ mmol/L) — Free Online Calculator
Input
Glucose (mmol/L)
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Normal range:
70–100 mg/dL (fasting)
3.9–5.6 mmol/L (fasting)
About This Calculator
The Medical Unit Converter converts between conventional (U.S.) and SI (International System) units for common laboratory values. Different countries use different unit systems, and accurate conversion is essential for clinical interpretation and international communication. Each substance has a specific conversion factor based on its molecular weight.
Formula
Interpretation
| Substance | Conventional | SI | Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucose | mg/dL | mmol/L | ×0.0555 |
| Cholesterol | mg/dL | mmol/L | ×0.0259 |
| Creatinine | mg/dL | μmol/L | ×88.4 |
| BUN / Urea | mg/dL (BUN) | mmol/L (Urea) | ×0.357 |
| Bilirubin | mg/dL | μmol/L | ×17.1 |
| Calcium | mg/dL | mmol/L | ×0.25 |
| Magnesium | mg/dL | mmol/L | ×0.4114 |
| Phosphate | mg/dL | mmol/L | ×0.3229 |
| Uric Acid | mg/dL | μmol/L | ×59.48 |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do different countries use different lab units?
The US primarily uses conventional units (mg/dL), while most other countries and the international scientific community use SI units (mmol/L). The SI system is based on molar concentrations, which better reflect physiological relationships. Efforts to standardize internationally continue, but adoption varies by country.
Are conversion factors exact?
Conversion factors are based on molecular weights and are chemically precise. However, small rounding differences may occur between calculators. For clinical purposes, the standard published conversion factors used here are accepted by major laboratory organizations and reference texts.
Why does creatinine convert to μmol/L instead of mmol/L?
Creatinine concentrations in SI units are expressed in μmol/L (micromoles per liter) because the molar values would be very small in mmol/L (e.g., 1.0 mg/dL = 88.4 μmol/L = 0.0884 mmol/L). Using μmol/L avoids awkward decimal places.
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⚠ Medical Disclaimer
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for clinical decisions.