mmol/L to mg/dL Calculator
Convert between millimoles per liter and milligrams per deciliter for medical lab values
Unit Conversion Calculator
Molar mass: 180.156 g/mol (Blood Sugar)
Millimoles per liter (SI units)
Milligrams per deciliter (US units)
Common Examples
Blood Glucose
5.6 mmol/L = 100.9 mg/dL
Normal fasting glucose
Molar mass: 180.156 g/mol
Total Cholesterol
5.2 mmol/L = 201.1 mg/dL
Borderline high cholesterol
Molar mass: 386.654 g/mol
Creatinine
88.4 μmol/L = 1.0 mg/dL
Normal kidney function
Molar mass: 113.12 g/mol
Unit Systems
SI Units (mmol/L)
- • Used internationally
- • Based on molecular count
- • Standard in most countries
- • More scientifically precise
US Units (mg/dL)
- • Used in United States
- • Based on mass concentration
- • Familiar to US patients
- • Traditional measurement
Conversion Tips
Molar mass is key to accurate conversion
Different substances have different conversion factors
Always check reference ranges for your lab
Round results appropriately for clinical use
Common Normal Ranges
Glucose (Fasting)
3.9-5.5 mmol/L
70-99 mg/dL
Total Cholesterol
<5.2 mmol/L
<200 mg/dL
Creatinine
62-106 μmol/L
0.7-1.2 mg/dL
Understanding mmol/L and mg/dL Conversions
What are these units?
Both mmol/L and mg/dL are units used to measure the concentration of substances in blood and other body fluids. The choice between them often depends on the country and medical system being used.
When to use each unit?
- •mmol/L: International standard, used in most countries
- •mg/dL: Common in United States and some other countries
- •Both are equally valid for medical interpretation
Conversion Formulas
mg/dL = (mmol/L × Molar Mass) ÷ 10
mmol/L = (mg/dL × 10) ÷ Molar Mass
- Molar Mass: The mass of one mole of the substance (g/mol)
- Factor of 10: Accounts for the difference between L and dL
- Precision: Results should be rounded appropriately
Glucose Example
Convert 5.6 mmol/L glucose to mg/dL:
5.6 × 180.156 ÷ 10 = 100.9 mg/dL
Cholesterol Example
Convert 200 mg/dL cholesterol to mmol/L:
200 × 10 ÷ 386.654 = 5.17 mmol/L
Clinical Importance
Understanding both unit systems helps healthcare providers communicate globally and interpret international research.
Important Considerations
- • Always verify the molar mass for accurate conversions
- • Different labs may have slightly different reference ranges
- • Some substances may have multiple forms with different molar masses
- • Clinical interpretation should consider patient context and symptoms