ng to µmol Converter
To convert ng to µmol, divide the value in nanograms by the molecular weight (g/mol), then divide by 1,000.
How to Convert ng to µmol
This ng to µmol converter changes nanograms into micromoles. Enter the mass in ng and the molecular weight.
ng ÷ MW gives nanomoles. Divide by 1,000 to get micromoles: µmol = ng ÷ MW ÷ 1,000.
For example, 5,000 ng of cortisol (MW 362.466 g/mol) ≈ 0.01379 µmol.
µmol = ng ÷ MW ÷ 1,000Divide the mass in ng by the molecular weight (g/mol), then divide by 1,000 to get micromoles.Conversion Formula
The formula to convert ng to µmol is:
Where:
- ng = mass in nanograms (10⁻⁹ g)
- µmol = amount in micromoles (10⁻⁶ mol)
- MW = molecular weight (molar mass) in g/mol
Conversion Table
Common ng to µmol conversions are shown below. The last column uses cortisol (MW 362.466 g/mol) as an example.
| ng | µmol (formula) | µmol for cortisol |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.00001 ÷ MW | 2.758879454 × 10⁻⁸ |
| 0.1 | 0.0001 ÷ MW | 2.758879454 × 10⁻⁷ |
| 0.33 | 0.00033 ÷ MW | 9.104302197 × 10⁻⁷ |
| 0.5 | 0.0005 ÷ MW | 0.000001379439727 |
| 1 | 0.001 ÷ MW | 0.000002758879454 |
| 2.5 | 0.0025 ÷ MW | 0.000006897198634 |
| 5 | 0.005 ÷ MW | 0.00001379439727 |
| 10 | 0.01 ÷ MW | 0.00002758879454 |
| 33 | 0.033 ÷ MW | 0.00009104302197 |
| 50 | 0.05 ÷ MW | 0.0001379439727 |
| 100 | 0.1 ÷ MW | 0.0002758879454 |
| 250 | 0.25 ÷ MW | 0.0006897198634 |
| 500 | 0.5 ÷ MW | 0.001379439727 |
| 1,000 | 1 ÷ MW | 0.002758879454 |
Worked Examples
Here are some common examples of ng to µmol conversion, using cortisol (MW 362.466 g/mol):
- 0.000002758879454 µmol = 1 ng
- 0.00001379439727 µmol = 5 ng
- 0.00009104302197 µmol = 33 ng
- 0.0002758879454 µmol = 100 ng
Unit Definitions
What is a nanogram (ng)?
A nanogram (ng) is a unit of mass equal to 10⁻⁹ gram.
The prefix nano- (n) means 10⁻⁹, or one billionth. So 1 ng = 0.000000001 g.
What is a micromole (µmol)?
A micromole (µmol) is a unit of amount of substance equal to 10⁻⁶ mole.
The prefix micro- (µ) means 10⁻⁶, or one millionth. So 1 µmol = 0.000001 mol.
It is often typed as “umol” when the µ symbol is not available.
Why Is Molecular Weight Needed?
Moles count particles. Grams measure mass. One particle of each substance has its own mass, so the link between them is the molecular weight (MW), also called molar mass.
MW tells you how many grams one mole of a substance weighs. For example, one mole of water weighs about 18.015 g, while one mole of glucose weighs about 180.16 g.
Therefore, to convert ng to µmol, you divide by MW, then divide by 1,000. The extra step (÷ 1,000) only adjusts for the different sizes of the two units.
Uses and Importance of ng and µmol
Converting ng to µmol is useful when combining small measured masses with amounts written in µmol.
Steroid analysis
Steroids such as cortisol are measured in ng in many assays. Converting to µmol gives molar values for comparison.
Recovery checks
Spiked masses in ng can be converted to µmol to calculate molar recovery.
Reporting
Some journals prefer molar units for small molecules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is 1,000 ng of cortisol in µmol?
1,000 ÷ 362.466 ÷ 1,000 ≈ 0.002759 µmol.
Is nmol an easier unit here?
Often yes. ng ÷ MW gives nmol directly: 5,000 ng of cortisol is about 13.79 nmol.
What is cortisol's molecular weight?
Cortisol is C₂₁H₃₀O₅, about 362.466 g/mol.
Why is my answer less than 1?
A micromole of cortisol weighs about 362 µg, which is 362,000 ng. So a few thousand ng is only a small fraction.
Does this interpret cortisol levels?
No. It converts units only.
Other Related Tools
Accuracy and Scope
The result depends on the molecular weight you enter.
This tool does not interpret hormone results.
Sources