The drug unit converter converts between the metric units used in drug prescriptions and pharmacology: grams (g), milligrams (mg), micrograms (mcg/μg), and nanograms (ng). Unit confusion — particularly between milligrams and micrograms — is one of the most common and dangerous sources of medication errors, representing a 1000-fold dosing difference. Use this converter to verify unit conversions before drawing up any medication.
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| g | mg | × 1,000 |
| mg | mcg | × 1,000 |
| mcg | ng | × 1,000 |
| mg | g | ÷ 1,000 |
| mcg | mg | ÷ 1,000 |
| kg | lb | × 2.20462 |
| lb | kg | ÷ 2.20462 |
There are 1,000 micrograms (mcg) in 1 milligram (mg). This is one of the most important conversions in nursing — mistaking mg for mcg results in a 1000-fold overdose. Always double-check the unit on the drug label before administration.
There are 1,000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram (g). The full metric chain is: 1 g = 1,000 mg = 1,000,000 mcg = 1,000,000,000 ng.