µg to pmol Converter
To convert µg to pmol, divide the value in micrograms by the molecular weight (g/mol), then multiply by 1,000,000.
How to Convert µg to pmol
This µg to pmol converter changes micrograms into picomoles. Enter the mass in µg and the molecular weight.
µg ÷ MW gives micromoles. Multiply by 1,000,000 to get picomoles: pmol = µg ÷ MW × 1,000,000.
For example, 3 µg of sucrose (MW 342.297 g/mol) ≈ 8,764 pmol.
pmol = µg ÷ MW × 1,000,000Divide the mass in µg by the molecular weight (g/mol), then multiply by 1,000,000 to get picomoles.Conversion Formula
The formula to convert µg to pmol is:
Where:
- µg = mass in micrograms (10⁻⁶ g)
- pmol = amount in picomoles (10⁻¹² mol)
- MW = molecular weight (molar mass) in g/mol
Conversion Table
Common µg to pmol conversions are shown below. The last column uses sucrose (MW 342.297 g/mol) as an example.
| µg | pmol (formula) | pmol for sucrose |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01 | 10,000 ÷ MW | 29.21439569 |
| 0.1 | 100,000 ÷ MW | 292.1439569 |
| 0.33 | 330,000 ÷ MW | 964.0750576 |
| 0.5 | 500,000 ÷ MW | 1,460.719784 |
| 1 | 1,000,000 ÷ MW | 2,921.439569 |
| 2.5 | 2,500,000 ÷ MW | 7,303.598921 |
| 5 | 5,000,000 ÷ MW | 14,607.19784 |
| 10 | 10,000,000 ÷ MW | 29,214.39569 |
| 33 | 33,000,000 ÷ MW | 96,407.50576 |
| 50 | 50,000,000 ÷ MW | 146,071.9784 |
| 100 | 100,000,000 ÷ MW | 292,143.9569 |
| 250 | 250,000,000 ÷ MW | 730,359.8921 |
| 500 | 500,000,000 ÷ MW | 1,460,719.784 |
| 1,000 | 1,000,000,000 ÷ MW | 2,921,439.569 |
Worked Examples
Here are some common examples of µg to pmol conversion, using sucrose (MW 342.297 g/mol):
- 2,921.439569 pmol = 1 µg
- 14,607.19784 pmol = 5 µg
- 96,407.50576 pmol = 33 µg
- 292,143.9569 pmol = 100 µg
Unit Definitions
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.
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.
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 µg to pmol, you divide by MW, then multiply by 1,000,000. The extra step (× 1,000,000) only adjusts for the different sizes of the two units.
Uses and Importance of µg and pmol
This conversion is useful when a small weighed or dissolved mass in µg must be used in a pmol-scale method.
Glycan and sugar analysis
Sugar standards in µg are converted to pmol for sensitive chromatography.
Standard curves
A curve in pmol can be built from a stock described in µg per mL.
Comparing molecules
Converting to pmol compares different sugars by number of molecules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many pmol are in 1 µg of sucrose?
1 ÷ 342.297 × 1,000,000 ≈ 2,921 pmol.
What does the × 1,000,000 step do?
µg ÷ MW gives µmol, and 1 µmol = 1,000,000 pmol.
Why does glucose give more pmol than sucrose for the same mass?
Glucose is lighter (about 180 g/mol) than sucrose (about 342 g/mol), so the same mass holds more glucose molecules.
How do I go back from pmol to µg?
Multiply pmol by MW, then divide by 1,000,000.
Is sucrose the same as table sugar?
Yes. Table sugar is sucrose, C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.
Other Related Tools
Accuracy and Scope
The result depends on the molecular weight you enter.
Example values are rounded to four significant figures.
Sources