Convert lab values between mmol/L and mg/dL for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, and 14 common analytes with reference ranges and batch mode.
Laboratory results are reported in different unit systems depending on the country and the analyte. This converter helps translate common values between mmol/L and mg/dL so results are easier to compare across reports, guidelines, and reference sheets.
It supports 14 commonly converted laboratory analytes, including glucose, cholesterol fractions, creatinine, BUN, uric acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, bilirubin, albumin, and hemoglobin A1c. Batch mode is available for multiple values at once.
Conversion factors are based on molecular weights and established reporting conventions. Reference ranges can still vary by laboratory.
This tool helps compare laboratory values that are reported in different unit systems. It is useful when reviewing foreign records, checking published ranges, or translating a result into the unit system you are used to reading.
mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ molecular weight factor. For glucose: mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 18.016. For creatinine: μmol/L = mg/dL × 88.42. For HbA1c: IFCC (mmol/mol) = (NGSP% − 2.15) / 0.0915.
Result: 7.0 mmol/L — Above normal range (diagnostic threshold for diabetes)
Glucose 126 mg/dL ÷ 18.016 = 7.0 mmol/L. This is above the normal fasting range (70-100 mg/dL) and meets the diagnostic threshold for diabetes (fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or ≥ 7.0 mmol/L on two occasions).
The main risk is confusing the unit system or the analyte-specific factor. The calculator is meant to reduce that kind of transcription error when comparing reports.
HbA1c may be reported in different formats depending on the laboratory. This converter keeps the two common formats aligned so you can compare values without doing the conversion by hand.
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This page converts between SI and conventional laboratory units using analyte-specific molecular-weight factors or, for a few tests such as HbA1c, the established calibration equation between reporting systems. It shows the converted number beside a general reference range so the value can be translated into the unit system a reader is more familiar with.
The output is a unit-conversion aid, not a stand-alone interpretation engine. The meaning of the result still depends on the assay method, the patient population, and the reporting range printed by the actual laboratory.
The SI (Système International) system was adopted by most countries in the 1970s for laboratory reporting, expressing concentrations in moles per liter which reflects the number of molecules rather than mass. However, the US medical system largely retained conventional units (mg/dL) due to institutional inertia, the cost of converting all reference materials, and physician familiarity. This dual system persists today and requires conversion for international medical collaboration.
For a quick mental approximation: divide mg/dL by 18 to get mmol/L, or multiply mmol/L by 18 to get mg/dL. Key landmarks: 70 mg/dL ≈ 3.9 mmol/L (hypoglycemia threshold), 100 mg/dL ≈ 5.6 (upper normal), 126 mg/dL ≈ 7.0 (diabetes threshold), 200 mg/dL ≈ 11.1 (diabetes by random glucose).
Creatinine is expressed in mg/dL in conventional units but μmol/L (micromoles per liter, not mmol/L) in SI units because the normal values in mmol/L would be inconveniently small numbers. The conversion factor is 88.42: μmol/L = mg/dL × 88.42. A creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL = 88.4 μmol/L. Similarly, bilirubin uses μmol/L with factor 17.1.
HbA1c is reported as a percentage (NGSP/DCCT method) in the US — e.g., 7.0%. Most other countries report in mmol/mol (IFCC method) — e.g., 53 mmol/mol. The conversion is: IFCC = (NGSP − 2.15) / 0.0915. A value of 6.5% NGSP = 48 mmol/mol IFCC. Both measure the same glycated hemoglobin fraction but use different calibration standards.
Yes. Total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL all use the same conversion factor of 38.67 (the molecular weight factor for cholesterol). However, triglycerides use a different factor of 88.57 because triglycerides have a different molecular weight. This is a common source of conversion errors.
The conversion factors are universal — they are based on chemistry (molecular weights) and apply identically to all ages. However, normal reference ranges differ significantly for pediatric patients. For example, infant glucose ranges are lower, neonatal bilirubin interpretation requires age-specific nomograms, and pediatric creatinine ranges depend on age and muscle mass. Always use age-appropriate reference ranges for clinical interpretation.