SI ⇄ Conventional Unit Converter

Nursing guide

Exam-focused context for this calculator. For clinical care, follow orders, policies, and local protocols.

What this converter does

The SI ⇄ conventional unit converter converts common nursing medication and lab units between the two systems used across different countries and exams. Medication mode handles mg ⇄ mcg, g ⇄ mg, kg ⇄ lb, and L ⇄ mL. Lab mode handles glucose, creatinine, urea/BUN, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin, lactate, and the monovalent electrolytes.

This is an education tool. Do not use it for real medication dosing or to verify high-alert medication orders. Real administration follows the MAR, order, pharmacy label, institutional policy, and any required independent double-check.

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Glucose: mg/dL = mmol/L × 18. Creatinine: mg/dL = µmol/L ÷ 88.4.

Urea vs BUN

Urea and BUN are not the same label. BUN mg/dL = urea mmol/L × 2.8. Always confirm which value the source reports before converting.

Electrolytes

For monovalent ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) mmol/L = mEq/L. This 1:1 relationship does not hold for all substances, so mmol/L and mEq/L are not universally interchangeable.

Step-by-step example

Convert a glucose of 7.5 mmol/L to mg/dL.

Identify the factor: mg/dL = mmol/L × 18.
Multiply: 7.5 × 18 = 135.
Result: 135 mg/dL. Label both values clearly to avoid a unit error.

Common mistakes & exam traps

Swapping urea and BUN without applying the conversion.
Assuming mmol/L = mEq/L for every substance instead of only monovalent ions.
Dropping the unit label so an SI value is read as a conventional one (or vice versa).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SI and conventional units?

SI units (for example mmol/L) are used in many countries and exams, while conventional units (for example mg/dL) are common in the United States. Values must be clearly labelled to prevent unit errors.

How do you convert glucose from mmol/L to mg/dL?

Multiply the mmol/L value by 18. For example, 7.5 mmol/L × 18 = 135 mg/dL.

How do you convert creatinine from µmol/L to mg/dL?

Divide the µmol/L value by 88.4. For example, 88.4 µmol/L ÷ 88.4 = 1.0 mg/dL.

Are mmol/L and mEq/L the same?

They are equal only for monovalent ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. They are not universally interchangeable for all substances.

Why do BUN and urea need care when converting?

BUN and urea are different labels for related values. BUN in mg/dL equals urea in mmol/L multiplied by about 2.8, so they should not be swapped without converting.

Can this converter be used for real medication dosing?

No. It is for education only and must not be used for real dosing or to verify high-alert medication orders, which follow the MAR, order, pharmacy label, and policy.

These answers are for nursing education and exam practice only and do not provide patient-specific medical advice.

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SI ⇄ Conventional Unit Converter

Lab / analyte

Direction

Value to convert (mmol/L)

mmol/L

Safety

Education only. Do not use this converter for real medication dosing or to verify high-alert medication orders. Lab reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, pregnancy status, clinical context, and country. Always label SI and conventional values clearly to prevent unit errors.

Want more practice?

Pair unit conversions with the lab values guide and medication math practice.

Lab values guide Start Practice Questions

Nursing guide

Exam-focused context for this calculator. For clinical care, follow orders, policies, and local protocols.

What this converter does

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Glucose: mg/dL = mmol/L × 18. Creatinine: mg/dL = µmol/L ÷ 88.4.

Urea vs BUN

Urea and BUN are not the same label. BUN mg/dL = urea mmol/L × 2.8. Always confirm which value the source reports before converting.

Electrolytes

For monovalent ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) mmol/L = mEq/L. This 1:1 relationship does not hold for all substances, so mmol/L and mEq/L are not universally interchangeable.

Step-by-step example

Convert a glucose of 7.5 mmol/L to mg/dL.

Identify the factor: mg/dL = mmol/L × 18.
Multiply: 7.5 × 18 = 135.
Result: 135 mg/dL. Label both values clearly to avoid a unit error.

Common mistakes & exam traps

Swapping urea and BUN without applying the conversion.
Assuming mmol/L = mEq/L for every substance instead of only monovalent ions.
Dropping the unit label so an SI value is read as a conventional one (or vice versa).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SI and conventional units?

How do you convert glucose from mmol/L to mg/dL?

Multiply the mmol/L value by 18. For example, 7.5 mmol/L × 18 = 135 mg/dL.

How do you convert creatinine from µmol/L to mg/dL?

Divide the µmol/L value by 88.4. For example, 88.4 µmol/L ÷ 88.4 = 1.0 mg/dL.

Are mmol/L and mEq/L the same?

They are equal only for monovalent ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. They are not universally interchangeable for all substances.

Why do BUN and urea need care when converting?

BUN and urea are different labels for related values. BUN in mg/dL equals urea in mmol/L multiplied by about 2.8, so they should not be swapped without converting.

Can this converter be used for real medication dosing?

No. It is for education only and must not be used for real dosing or to verify high-alert medication orders, which follow the MAR, order, pharmacy label, and policy.

These answers are for nursing education and exam practice only and do not provide patient-specific medical advice.

Lab / analyte

Direction

Value to convert (mmol/L)

mmol/L

Safety

Want more practice?

Pair unit conversions with the lab values guide and medication math practice.

Lab values guide Start Practice Questions

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SI ⇄ Conventional Unit Converter

What this converter does

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Urea vs BUN

Electrolytes

Step-by-step example

Common mistakes & exam traps

Frequently asked questions

SI ⇄ Conventional Unit Converter

What this converter does

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Urea vs BUN

Electrolytes

Step-by-step example

Common mistakes & exam traps

Frequently asked questions

What this converter does

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Urea vs BUN

Electrolytes

Step-by-step example

Common mistakes & exam traps

Related free tools & lessons

Frequently asked questions

What this converter does

Key conversion factors

Glucose & creatinine

Urea vs BUN

Electrolytes

Step-by-step example

Common mistakes & exam traps

Related free tools & lessons

Frequently asked questions