Navigating laboratory results can be stressful, especially when different clinics use different units of measurement. If you are trying to convert ng/mL to µg/L, you might be surprised by how simple the relationship actually is.
Our ng/mL to µg/L conversion calculator allows you to instantly verify your test results. Whether you are checking hormone levels, tumor markers, or vitamin concentrations, getting the units right is the first step to understanding your health data.
While these units look different, they describe the same concentration. This tool helps you switch between nanograms per milliliter and micrograms per liter with confidence, ensuring you can compare your lab reports accurately against reference ranges.
ng/mL ⇄ µg/L Conversion Calculator
Understanding the Units
To understand your lab results, it helps to know what these abbreviations actually mean. They are both metric units used to measure concentration, or “mass per volume.”
ng/mL (Nanograms per Milliliter) is a very precise measurement. It represents one billionth of a gram dissolved in one milliliter of liquid. This unit is commonly used in the United States for hormone tests like Testosterone or Vitamin D.
µg/L (Micrograms per Liter) represents one millionth of a gram dissolved in one liter of liquid. This unit is the standard in many European countries and international research. It is technically an SI-compliant way to report concentrations.
Although they sound different, they measure the same density of a substance in your blood.
How to Convert ng/mL to µg/L
The conversion between these two units is straightforward. In fact, it is a 1:1 ratio.
This means the number on your lab report remains exactly the same. You do not need to do complex math or move decimal points.
The Conversion Formula
$$1\text{ ng/mL} = 1\text{ \mu g/L}$$
Why is this the case? It comes down to metric scaling. A liter is 1,000 times larger than a milliliter. A microgram is 1,000 times larger than a nanogram.
Since both the numerator (mass) and the denominator (volume) increase by a factor of 1,000, they cancel each other out.
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Let’s say you have a Ferritin level of 150 ng/mL. You want to see if this falls within a reference range listed in µg/L.
- Take your value: 150.
- Multiply by 1.
- The result is 150 µg/L.
If you need to go the other way, you can use our µg/L to ng/mL Conversion Calculator. The value remains unchanged in that direction as well.
Quick Conversion Reference Table
If you prefer a visual aid, here is a quick chart showing common lab values converted between these units.
| Value in ng/mL | Value in µg/L | Common Lab Context |
| 0.5 ng/mL | 0.5 µg/L | Low PSA levels |
| 4.0 ng/mL | 4.0 µg/L | PSA Reference Limit |
| 20 ng/mL | 20 µg/L | Vitamin D (Deficiency) |
| 30 ng/mL | 30 µg/L | Vitamin D (Sufficiency) |
| 200 ng/mL | 200 µg/L | Ferritin (Normal Range) |
| 500 ng/mL | 500 µg/L | High Ferritin / B12 |
Common Lab Tests Using These Units
Medical professionals use these units for substances that appear in the blood in very small amounts.
Ferritin Levels often cause confusion. One lab might report 50 ng/mL, while another reports 50 µg/L. Both indicate the exact same level of iron storage.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is heavily monitored for prostate health. A standard cutoff is often 4.0 ng/mL. If you read a study using µg/L, the cutoff is still 4.0.
Hormone Panels frequently switch between these units. However, be careful if the unit changes to molar units. For that, you would need a ng/mL to nmol/L Conversion Calculator.
Why do Labs Use Different Units?
You might wonder why we don’t just pick one unit and stick to it. The choice often depends on the region and the specific equipment used.
The United States typically favors ng/mL for many immunoassays. It is the traditional standard for many American medical associations.
International bodies and European nations often prefer µg/L or molar units. Molar units are distinct because they account for molecular weight. You can learn more about that on our Core Medical Unit Conversion Calculator page.
Regardless of the choice, the physical amount of substance in your blood is the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 1 ng/mL equal to 1 µg/L?
Yes, absolutely. 1 ng/mL is exactly equal to 1 µg/L. The conversion factor is 1.
How do I convert µg/L back to ng/mL?
You simply keep the number the same. If you have 25 µg/L, it is equal to 25 ng/mL.
Does this apply to mg/dL?
No, mg/dL is a much larger unit. Converting to milligrams requires different math. You can check our mg/dL to mg/L Conversion Calculator for help with those units.
Why do some calculators ask for a substance?
For a 1:1 mass conversion like this, the substance doesn’t change the math. However, if you convert to “moles” (like nmol/L), the molecular weight matters. We include the selector to help you verify you are testing the right component.
Conclusion
Understanding your lab results shouldn’t require a degree in mathematics. The switch from ng/mL to µg/L is one of the easiest conversions in medical diagnostics.
Remember that the number value stays the same. 50 ng/mL is simply 50 µg/L.
Always double-check the unit label on your report. If you encounter molar units like nmol/L, remember to use the specific tools listed above.