Convert a lab result from mg/dL (used in the US) to mmol/L (used in the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe). Pick the test first: glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides each use a different factor. Informational only.
Last updated:
Each test has its own factor because it is based on that molecule's molar mass
Direction
mg/dL
mmol/L
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the mg/dL to mmol/L Converter
Pick the lab test, e.g. fasting glucose, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides.
Type your value in mg/dL. The mmol/L result updates as you type.
Need the other way? Switch Direction to mmol/L → mg/dL and use the reverse field.
Read the category and the distance to the nearest standard cut-off.
Check the working and the conversion table, or press Copy to keep the result.
mg/dL to mmol/L factors by test
mg/dL is a mass concentration (milligrams per 100 mL of blood); mmol/L counts molecules (millimoles per liter). To switch between them you need the molar mass of the substance being measured:
mmol/L = mg/dL × 10 ÷ molar mass
That is why there is no single "mg/dL to mmol/L" number. A glucose molecule is light, so the factor is large; a triglyceride molecule is heavy, so the factor is small.
Test
Molar mass
mg/dL → mmol/L
mmol/L → mg/dL
Example
Glucose (blood sugar)
180.16 g/mol
× 0.0555 (÷ 18.016)
× 18.016
100 mg/dL = 5.6 mmol/L
Total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol
386.65 g/mol
× 0.02586 (÷ 38.67)
× 38.67
200 mg/dL = 5.17 mmol/L
Triglycerides
885.7 g/mol (triolein)
× 0.01129 (÷ 88.57)
× 88.57
150 mg/dL = 1.69 mmol/L
Using the glucose factor on a cholesterol result is the most common conversion mistake: 200 mg/dL of cholesterol would come out as 11.1 instead of 5.17 mmol/L.
Quick mg/dL to mmol/L reference
mg/dL
Glucose (mmol/L)
Cholesterol (mmol/L)
Triglycerides (mmol/L)
50
2.8
1.29
0.56
70
3.9
1.81
0.79
100
5.6
2.59
1.13
126
7.0
3.26
1.42
150
8.3
3.88
1.69
180
10.0
4.65
2.03
200
11.1
5.17
2.26
240
13.3
6.21
2.71
300
16.7
7.76
3.39
500
27.8
12.93
5.65
Tips for reading converted results
Round like the lab. Glucose in mmol/L is normally given to one decimal (5.6), lipids to one or two (5.17 or 5.2). Small differences after the second decimal come from rounding, not a different result.
Fasting matters. Fasting glucose, glucose two hours after a glucose drink and random glucose all have different reference cut-offs. Triglycerides are also higher after a meal.
HbA1c is different. A1C is a percentage (or mmol/mol), not mg/dL. Use an A1C calculator to estimate average glucose from it.
Home meters in the US show mg/dL and elsewhere usually mmol/L. Many meters can switch units in their settings, which is safer than converting by hand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert glucose from mg/dL to mmol/L?
Divide by 18.016, which is the same as multiplying by 0.0555. For example 100 mg/dL ÷ 18.016 = 5.55 mmol/L, reported as 5.6 mmol/L. Dividing by 18 is a good mental shortcut.
How do I convert cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L?
Divide by 38.67 (multiply by 0.02586). The same factor works for total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol. For example 200 mg/dL × 0.02586 = 5.17 mmol/L.
Why do triglycerides use a different factor?
Each factor comes from the molar mass of the molecule. Triglycerides are much heavier molecules (about 885.7 g/mol, based on triolein), so 1 mmol/L equals 88.57 mg/dL and you multiply mg/dL by 0.01129.
What is 126 mg/dL in mmol/L?
126 mg/dL ÷ 18.016 = 6.99, reported as 7.0 mmol/L. That is the fasting glucose level the ADA uses for the diabetes range when it is confirmed by repeat testing.
Is 5.6 mmol/L the same as 100 mg/dL?
Almost. 100 mg/dL is 5.55 mmol/L, which labs round to 5.6. That is why the fasting prediabetes threshold is written as 100 mg/dL in the US and 5.6 mmol/L elsewhere.
Which countries use mmol/L?
The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe report glucose and lipids in mmol/L. The US and some other countries use mg/dL, so travelers and people reading foreign studies often need to convert.
Can this tool tell me if my result is a problem?
No. It converts units and shows the standard adult cut-offs for context. Labs use their own reference ranges, and only a clinician who knows your history can interpret a result.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.