These medical conversion charts provide quick visual reference tables for converting common laboratory values between mmol/L and mg/dL.
Use them for fast lookup, printing, or clinical review. For exact value calculations, use mmol l to mg dl calculator.
Glucose (Blood Sugar) Conversion Chart
Blood glucose is one of the most commonly measured laboratory values worldwide. Some countries report glucose in mmol/L (SI units), while others use mg/dL. This chart provides a quick visual reference for converting between both systems without manual calculation.
The conversion factor for glucose is 18.0. To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 18. To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by 18. Values in this chart are calculated using this molecular-weight–based formula and rounded appropriately for clinical readability.
Normal fasting glucose levels typically range from 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L (70–99 mg/dL). Levels above 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) may indicate diabetes when fasting, while values below 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) suggest hypoglycemia.
For exact value conversion, use the detailed glucose calculator pages for forward and reverse conversion.
Glucose (Blood Sugar) mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) measures glucose levels after an overnight fast. Reporting units vary globally, making conversion charts useful for interpreting international lab reports or clinical guidelines.
FBS uses the same molecular weight as glucose, with a conversion factor of 18.0. Multiply mmol/L by 18 to obtain mg/dL. Divide mg/dL by 18 to return to mmol/L. All values in this chart follow that standardized calculation.
A normal fasting glucose range is generally 3.9–5.5 mmol/L (70–99 mg/dL). Values between 5.6–6.9 mmol/L (100–125 mg/dL) may indicate prediabetes, while ≥7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) is consistent with diabetes criteria in appropriate clinical settings.
For precise calculations, refer to the dedicated FBS conversion tools.
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Random Blood Sugar (RBS) reflects glucose levels measured at any time of day, regardless of meals. Because international lab systems differ in unit reporting, this conversion chart simplifies quick reference between mmol/L and mg/dL.
The conversion factor remains 18.0, derived from glucose molecular weight. Multiply mmol/L by 18 to obtain mg/dL values. Reverse conversion requires division by 18.
Random glucose levels ≥11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) may support a diabetes diagnosis when accompanied by symptoms. Lower levels must be interpreted in clinical context.
For exact number-based conversion, use the RBS calculator pages.
Random Blood Sugar (RBS) mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) evaluates how the body processes glucose after ingestion. Results may be reported in mmol/L or mg/dL depending on regional laboratory standards.
Like other glucose-based measurements, OGTT uses a conversion factor of 18.0. Multiply mmol/L values by 18 to convert to mg/dL.
Two-hour OGTT values ≥11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) may indicate diabetes, while intermediate values may suggest impaired glucose tolerance.
For exact numeric conversion during interpretation, use the OGTT conversion tools.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Total Cholesterol Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Total cholesterol measures overall blood cholesterol concentration. SI units report in mmol/L, while conventional U.S. labs use mg/dL.
The conversion factor for cholesterol is 38.7, based on molecular weight. Multiply mmol/L by 38.7 to convert to mg/dL. Reverse by dividing by 38.7.
Desirable total cholesterol is typically below 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). Elevated levels increase cardiovascular risk.
For exact lipid calculations, refer to the cholesterol converter pages.
Total Cholesterol mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
LDL Cholesterol Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” because elevated levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Laboratories worldwide report LDL in either mmol/L (SI units) or mg/dL (conventional units), making conversion charts useful when reviewing international lab reports or research data.
The molecular-weight–based conversion factor for LDL cholesterol is 38.7. To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 38.7. To reverse the calculation, divide mg/dL by 38.7. Values displayed in this chart are calculated using this standardized factor and rounded for clinical clarity.
Optimal LDL cholesterol levels are generally below 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL). Higher targets may apply in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, while more aggressive targets are used in high-risk individuals. Interpretation should always consider overall risk profile.
For precise LDL conversion of a specific value, refer to the dedicated LDL conversion tools.
LDL Cholesterol mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
HDL Cholesterol Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often called “good cholesterol” because higher levels are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. As with other lipid markers, HDL may be reported in mmol/L or mg/dL depending on regional laboratory standards.
HDL uses the same cholesterol molecular conversion factor of 38.7. Multiply mmol/L by 38.7 to convert to mg/dL. Divide mg/dL by 38.7 to convert back to mmol/L. This chart provides a quick visual lookup for both units.
Desirable HDL levels are typically above 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) in men and above 1.3 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) in women. Lower HDL levels may increase cardiovascular risk, especially when combined with elevated LDL or triglycerides.
For exact HDL conversion calculations, use the detailed HDL converter pages.
HDL Cholesterol mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Triglycerides Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Triglycerides are circulating blood fats that reflect metabolic and cardiovascular health. Elevated triglycerides are associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk. Reporting units vary internationally, making conversion charts practical for interpretation.
The molecular conversion factor for triglycerides is 88.6. Multiply mmol/L by 88.6 to convert to mg/dL. To reverse, divide mg/dL by 88.6. All values in this chart are generated using this factor and rounded appropriately.
Normal triglyceride levels are generally below 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL). Borderline and high ranges vary depending on clinical guidelines and patient risk profile. Extremely elevated levels may increase pancreatitis risk.
For exact value-based triglyceride conversion, refer to the dedicated triglyceride calculator pages.
Triglycerides mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Urea Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Urea is a waste product formed from protein metabolism and is commonly measured to assess kidney function. Laboratory reports may present urea values in mmol/L or mg/dL depending on the country and reporting system.
The conversion factor for urea is 6.0. Multiply mmol/L by 6.0 to obtain mg/dL. Divide mg/dL by 6.0 to convert back to mmol/L. This chart allows quick reference between both unit systems.
Typical adult reference ranges vary by laboratory but often fall between approximately 2.5–7.8 mmol/L (15–47 mg/dL). Elevated urea levels may reflect dehydration, high protein intake, or impaired kidney function, while lower levels may occur in certain metabolic or liver conditions.
Urea mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
Serum Creatinine Conversion Chart (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL)
Serum creatinine is a key marker of kidney function and is routinely measured in metabolic panels. Reporting units may differ internationally, with some laboratories using mmol/L and others mg/dL.
The conversion factor for creatinine (mmol/L ↔ mg/dL) is 11.3. Multiply mmol/L by 11.3 to obtain mg/dL. Divide mg/dL by 11.3 to reverse the calculation. Values shown in this chart are calculated using this molecular-weight–based factor.
Normal adult creatinine ranges typically fall between approximately 0.6–1.3 mg/dL, though values vary by age, sex, and muscle mass. Elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney filtration, while low values are less commonly clinically significant.
Creatinine (Serum) mmol/L and mg/dL conversion chart
FAQs
Why do some countries use mmol/L while others use mg/dL?
Most countries follow the International System of Units (SI), which reports lab values in mmol/L. The United States and a few other regions traditionally use mg/dL. Both represent the same measurement expressed in different unit systems.
Are these conversion charts accurate for medical diagnosis?
These charts are mathematically accurate and based on standard molecular conversion factors. However, they are intended for reference use only. Medical diagnosis and treatment decisions should always rely on laboratory reports and clinical evaluation by a qualified professional.
How are mmol/L and mg/dL values converted?
Conversion depends on the molecular weight of each analyte. For example, glucose uses a factor of 18.0, while cholesterol uses 38.7 and triglycerides use 88.6. Each substance has its own specific conversion factor.
Why does each analyte use a different conversion factor?
Each laboratory analyte has a unique molecular weight. Since mg/dL measures mass concentration and mmol/L measures molar concentration, conversion requires multiplying or dividing by a molecular-weight–based factor specific to that substance.
Can rounding affect interpretation of results?
Small rounding differences may occur when converting between units. In most clinical settings, these minor differences do not change interpretation, but exact laboratory values should be used when precision is critical.
Should I use charts or calculators for conversion?
Charts are useful for quick visual reference and general comparison. If you need to convert a specific number precisely, using a dedicated conversion tool ensures exact calculation.
Final Words
These mmol/L and mg/dL conversion charts are designed to provide structured, visual reference for commonly reported laboratory values. They allow quick comparison between SI and conventional units without manual calculation.
While these tables are generated using standardized molecular-weight–based formulas, laboratory interpretation should always consider clinical context, patient history, and professional medical guidance. Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and regions.
