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.
