8 Conversion Table

The following tables outline common conversion amounts used in nursing.

Table 8.1 Common Metric Conversions for Weight
Weight Measurements in Metric Equivalent Amount in Metric
1,000 microgram (mcg) 1 milligram (mg)
1,000 milligram (mg) 1 gram (g)
1,000 gram (g) 1 kilogram (kg)
Table 8.2 Common Metric Conversions for Volume
Volume Measurements in Metric Equivalent Amount in Metric
1,000 millilitre (mL) 1 litre (L)
1,000 milliunits (no official abbreviation) 1 unit (U*)
1 cubic centimetre (cc*) 1 millilitre (mL)
1 milliquivalent (mEq) 1 millimole (mmol)
Table 8.3 Conversions Between Metric and Imperial Measurement of Weight
Weight Measurement in Metric Equivalent Amount in Imperial
1 kilogram (kg) 2.2 pounds
28.35 grams 1 ounces (oz)
Table 8.4 Additional Common Conversions
Additional Measures Equivalent Amount
1 milliquivalent (mEq) 1 millimole (mmol)
30 centimetres 1 foot (ft or ‘)
2.54 centimetres 1 inch (in or “)
16 ounces 1 pound (lb)
1 millilitre (mL) 1 gram (g)

*symbol denotes a dangerous abbreviation which should not be used. This abbreviation is included in this text as it is possible you may see this abbreviation in the health care setting. Clarification of the order is required to ensure patient safety.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

A Guide to Numeracy in Nursing Copyright © 2023 by Julia Langham is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book