Short answer
To convert mg/mL to mcg/uL, keep the same number. A concentration of 1 mg/mL equals 1 mcg/uL because both the mass unit and volume unit change by 1000.
Step-by-step
- Start with the concentration in mg/mL.
- Convert mg to mcg by multiplying by 1000.
- Convert mL to uL by multiplying by 1000.
- Because both sides scale by 1000, the numeric concentration remains unchanged.
Quick examples
0.5 mg/mL equals 0.5 mcg/uL. 2.5 mg/mL equals 2.5 mcg/uL. 10 mg/mL equals 10 mcg/uL.
Common mistake
The most common error is multiplying the concentration by 1000 twice. The mass and volume conversions cancel each other for concentration, but not for total amount.
Amount is different from concentration
Once you know mcg/uL, multiply by the selected volume in uL to get total mcg. For example, 2.5 mcg/uL times 40 uL equals 100 mcg.
| mg/mL | mcg/uL | Example amount in 40 uL |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.5 | 20 mcg |
| 1 | 1 | 40 mcg |
| 2.5 | 2.5 | 100 mcg |
| 5 | 5 | 200 mcg |