mcg (Microgram): Meaning, mg Conversion, and Safety
Shows the work. Every example is computed with the formula and numbered steps. For study and exam practice, not for patient care.
mcg: Microgram: one thousandth of a milligram (1 mg = 1,000 mcg).
A microgram is one millionth of a gram and one thousandth of a milligram. Potent drugs are dosed in micrograms, and weight-based infusions such as dopamine are ordered in mcg/kg/min.
- 1 mg = 1,000 mcg: to go from mg to mcg, multiply by 1,000.
- To go from mcg to mg, divide by 1,000.
Write mcg. The ISMP list of error-prone abbreviations says not to use the symbol µg, because it can be mistaken for mg, a 1,000-fold error.
Convert 0.25 mg to micrograms.
- Value
- 0.25 mg
- To
- mcg
Formula Multiply or divide by the conversion factor.
- 1 mg = 1,000 mcg, so multiply by 1,000.
- 0.25 × 1,000 = 250 mcg.
- 250 mcg is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Answer 250 mcg
More amounts are in the mcg to mg chart.
Sources
- List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations — Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
- Clinical Calculations: With Applications to General and Specialty Areas — Elsevier (Kee, Marshall, et al.)