pmol to µg Converter
To convert pmol to µg, multiply the value in picomoles by the molecular weight (g/mol), then divide by 1,000,000.
How to Convert pmol to µg
Use this pmol to µg converter to change picomoles into micrograms. Enter pmol and the molecular weight.
pmol × MW gives picograms. Divide by 1,000,000 to get micrograms: µg = pmol × MW ÷ 1,000,000.
For example, 500 pmol of cholesterol (MW 386.664 g/mol) is 500 × 386.664 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.193332 µg.
µg = pmol × MW ÷ 1,000,000Multiply the picomoles by the molecular weight (g/mol), then divide by 1,000,000 to get micrograms.Conversion Formula
The formula to convert pmol to µg is:
Where:
- pmol = amount in picomoles (10⁻¹² mol)
- µg = mass in micrograms (10⁻⁶ g)
- MW = molecular weight (molar mass) in g/mol
Conversion Table
Common pmol to µg conversions are shown below. The last column uses cholesterol (MW 386.664 g/mol) as an example.
| pmol | µg (formula) | µg for cholesterol |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1 × 10⁻⁸ × MW | 0.00000386664 |
| 0.1 | 1 × 10⁻⁷ × MW | 0.0000386664 |
| 0.33 | 3.3 × 10⁻⁷ × MW | 0.00012759912 |
| 0.5 | 5 × 10⁻⁷ × MW | 0.000193332 |
| 1 | 0.000001 × MW | 0.000386664 |
| 2.5 | 0.0000025 × MW | 0.00096666 |
| 5 | 0.000005 × MW | 0.00193332 |
| 10 | 0.00001 × MW | 0.00386664 |
| 33 | 0.000033 × MW | 0.012759912 |
| 50 | 0.00005 × MW | 0.0193332 |
| 100 | 0.0001 × MW | 0.0386664 |
| 250 | 0.00025 × MW | 0.096666 |
| 500 | 0.0005 × MW | 0.193332 |
| 1,000 | 0.001 × MW | 0.386664 |
Worked Examples
Here are some common examples of pmol to µg conversion, using cholesterol (MW 386.664 g/mol):
- 0.000386664 µg = 1 pmol
- 0.00193332 µg = 5 pmol
- 0.012759912 µg = 33 pmol
- 0.0386664 µg = 100 pmol
Unit Definitions
What is a picomole (pmol)?
A picomole (pmol) is a unit of amount of substance equal to 10⁻¹² mole.
The prefix pico- (p) means 10⁻¹², or one trillionth. So 1 pmol = 0.000000000001 mol.
What is a microgram (µg)?
A microgram (µg) is a unit of mass equal to 10⁻⁶ gram.
The prefix micro- (µ) means 10⁻⁶, or one millionth. So 1 µg = 0.000001 g.
It is often written as “mcg” on labels, to avoid confusing µg with mg.
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 pmol to µg, you multiply by MW, then divide by 1,000,000. The extra step (÷ 1,000,000) only adjusts for the different sizes of the two units.
Uses and Importance of pmol and µg
Converting pmol to µg links very small molar amounts to masses that can be quoted on a certificate or label.
Lipid analysis
Lipid standards in small studies are often counted in pmol but supplied by mass.
Reporting
Some reports ask for mass in µg even when the method works in pmol.
Checking dilution
Knowing the µg in a pmol amount confirms how far a stock was diluted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many µg are in 1 pmol of cholesterol?
1 × 386.664 ÷ 1,000,000 ≈ 0.0003867 µg.
Where does the one-million step come from in pmol to µg?
pmol × MW gives pg, and 1 µg = 1,000,000 pg.
How many pmol are in 1 µg of cholesterol?
1 ÷ 386.664 × 1,000,000 ≈ 2,586 pmol.
Is cholesterol's molecular weight fixed?
Yes for pure cholesterol (C₂₇H₄₆O, about 386.664 g/mol). Cholesteryl esters are heavier.
Is pmol to µg the same factor as nmol to mg?
Yes. Both shift by the same power of ten.
Other Related Tools
Accuracy and Scope
The result depends on the molecular weight you enter.
It does not interpret cholesterol test results.
Sources