How to Use the Bilirubin mg/dL to µmol/L Calculator
Choose the direction, enter the bilirubin value from your report, and read the converted result instantly. The calculator supports mg/dL to µmol/L and µmol/L to mg/dL.
You can use the same unit conversion for total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. The clinical meaning is different for each test, but the unit math is the same.
Bilirubin Conversion Formula
Bilirubin is often reported in mg/dL in conventional lab reports and in µmol/L in many international or SI-style reports. The commonly used bilirubin conversion factor is 17.1.
Bilirubin µmol/L = Bilirubin mg/dL × 17.1 Bilirubin mg/dL = Bilirubin µmol/L ÷ 17.1 Example Bilirubin Conversion
If your total bilirubin result is 1.2 mg/dL, multiply by 17.1:
1.2 × 17.1 = 20.5 µmol/L For the reverse direction, divide by 17.1. A bilirubin value of 20 µmol/L is about 1.17 mg/dL.
Bilirubin mg/dL to µmol/L Chart
Use this chart to compare common bilirubin values between conventional and SI-style reporting.
| Bilirubin mg/dL | Bilirubin µmol/L | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 mg/dL | 1.7 µmol/L | Very low bilirubin value |
| 0.2 mg/dL | 3.4 µmol/L | Common low-normal value |
| 0.5 mg/dL | 8.6 µmol/L | Common normal value |
| 1.0 mg/dL | 17.1 µmol/L | Near upper area in many adult ranges |
| 1.2 mg/dL | 20.5 µmol/L | Often near the upper reference limit |
| 2.0 mg/dL | 34.2 µmol/L | Elevated in many lab ranges |
| 3.0 mg/dL | 51.3 µmol/L | Clearly elevated in many adult reports |
| 5.0 mg/dL | 85.5 µmol/L | Markedly elevated |
| 10.0 mg/dL | 171.0 µmol/L | High value requiring clinical review |
µmol/L to mg/dL Reverse Chart
If your lab report uses µmol/L, this reverse chart helps you compare the value with mg/dL reference ranges.
| Bilirubin µmol/L | Bilirubin mg/dL |
|---|---|
| 5 µmol/L | 0.29 mg/dL |
| 10 µmol/L | 0.58 mg/dL |
| 17.1 µmol/L | 1.00 mg/dL |
| 20 µmol/L | 1.17 mg/dL |
| 25 µmol/L | 1.46 mg/dL |
| 34 µmol/L | 1.99 mg/dL |
| 50 µmol/L | 2.92 mg/dL |
| 85 µmol/L | 4.97 mg/dL |
| 100 µmol/L | 5.85 mg/dL |
Total, Direct, and Indirect Bilirubin
Total bilirubin is the combined amount of bilirubin reported in the blood. Direct bilirubin is the conjugated portion, while indirect bilirubin is usually calculated from total minus direct bilirubin.
This calculator only changes the unit label and number. It does not determine why bilirubin is high or whether the pattern is direct, indirect, mixed, adult, pediatric, or newborn-related.
Why Bilirubin Units Matter
Unit differences can make bilirubin results look more confusing than they are. A value of 1.0 mg/dL and a value of 17.1 µmol/L describe the same concentration. Converting the units helps you compare reports from different countries, hospitals, or older records.
Bilirubin is often reviewed alongside liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, blood counts, symptoms, medication history, and age. Newborn bilirubin interpretation is especially time-sensitive and depends on age in hours and other risk factors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use the glucose conversion factor for bilirubin. Glucose uses a different molecular weight, so its mg/dL to mmol/L factor does not apply to bilirubin.
Also check whether the report says µmol/L or mmol/L. Bilirubin is normally reported in µmol/L internationally, not mmol/L. Confusing those prefixes can shift the number by a factor of 1,000.
Finally, compare total bilirubin with total bilirubin and direct bilirubin with direct bilirubin. Mixing test types can create misleading comparisons even when the unit conversion is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert bilirubin mg/dL to µmol/L?
Multiply the bilirubin value in mg/dL by 17.1. For example, 1.0 mg/dL equals 17.1 µmol/L.
How do you convert bilirubin µmol/L to mg/dL?
Divide the µmol/L value by 17.1. For example, 20 µmol/L is about 1.17 mg/dL.
What is 1.2 mg/dL bilirubin in µmol/L?
1.2 mg/dL multiplied by 17.1 equals about 20.5 µmol/L.
What is 34 µmol/L bilirubin in mg/dL?
34 µmol/L divided by 17.1 equals about 1.99 mg/dL.
Does this work for direct bilirubin?
Yes. The unit conversion is the same for total, direct, and indirect bilirubin. The clinical interpretation is different, so compare your result with the correct test name and reference range.
Can this calculator diagnose jaundice or liver disease?
No. This calculator only converts units. Diagnosis requires medical interpretation, physical findings, age-specific context, and other lab results.
Conclusion
This bilirubin mg/dL to µmol/L calculator gives you a quick way to compare lab reports across different unit systems. Use it for accurate unit conversion, then rely on your healthcare provider to interpret what the bilirubin result means in your situation.