Dram to Microgram Converter
Convert drams to micrograms with our free online weight converter.
Quick Answer
1 Dram = 1771845.195313 micrograms
Formula: Dram × conversion factor = Microgram
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Dram to Microgram Calculator
How to Use the Dram to Microgram Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Dram).
- The converted value in Microgram will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Weight category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Dram to Microgram: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Dram to Microgram involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Dram = 1771850 microgramsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 drams: 5 × 1771850 = 8859250 micrograms
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other weight units?
View all Weight conversions →What is a Dram and a Microgram?
Avoirdupois Dram (Commercial)
The avoirdupois dram is defined in the common weight system used for most goods:
Relationships:
- 1 dram = 1/16 ounce (avoirdupois)
- 1 dram = 1/256 pound (avoirdupois)
- 1 dram = 27.34375 grains (exactly)
- 1 dram ≈ 1.7718451953125 grams (exactly)
Symbol: dr, dr av, or dr avdp
Historical use: General commerce, precious materials, spices, ammunition powder charges.
Apothecary/Troy Dram (Pharmaceutical)
The apothecary dram (also called drachm) belongs to the apothecaries' weight system used historically in pharmacy:
Relationships:
- 1 dram (ʒ) = 1/8 ounce (apothecary)
- 1 dram = 3 scruples
- 1 dram = 60 grains (exactly)
- 1 dram ≈ 3.8879346 grams (exactly)
Symbol: ʒ (resembles the number 3, representing 3 scruples)
Historical use: Compounding medicines, pharmaceutical measurements, medical prescriptions.
The Critical Difference
Apothecary dram = 2.194 × Avoirdupois dram
This 2.2× ratio causes confusion. Historical recipes and medical texts must specify which system they use, or dosages could be dangerously incorrect.
Fluid Dram (Volume, Not Weight)
Adding to the confusion, the fluid dram is a unit of volume:
Fluid dram (imperial):
- 1/8 fluid ounce (imperial)
- ≈ 3.5516 mL
Fluid dram (US):
- 1/8 fluid ounce (US)
- ≈ 3.6967 mL
Symbol: fl dr, fl ʒ, or ℈
This is completely separate from weight drams, though historically related (1 fluid dram of water weighs approximately 1 avoirdupois dram).
A microgram (symbol: µg or mcg) is a unit of mass in the metric system equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a gram, or one thousandth (1/1,000) of a milligram.
Key relationships:
- 1 microgram = 0.000001 grams (g)
- 1 microgram = 0.001 milligrams (mg)
- 1,000 micrograms = 1 milligram
- 1,000,000 micrograms = 1 gram
- 1 microgram ≈ 0.0000000353 ounces
Symbol variations:
- µg: Standard scientific symbol (µ = Greek letter mu)
- mcg: Common in medicine/pharmacy (avoids confusion if µ looks like m)
- Both mean exactly the same thing
The prefix "micro-":
- From Greek "mikrós" meaning "small"
- SI prefix denoting 10⁻⁶ (one millionth)
- Also used in: micrometer (µm), microsecond (µs), microliter (µL)
In perspective (how small is it?):
- 1 grain of table salt ≈ 1,000 µg (1 mg)
- 1 speck of dust ≈ 1-10 µg
- Human red blood cell ≈ 100 µg
- A typical dose of Vitamin B12 ≈ 2.4 µg
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Never confuse µg (microgram) with mg (milligram). Taking 1 mg when prescribed 1 µg = 1,000x overdose! Always double-check labels and prescriptions.
Note: The Dram is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Microgram belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Dram and Microgram
Ancient Greek Drachma (600 BCE - 300 CE)
The drachma coin: Greek city-states minted silver coins called drachmas, weighing approximately 4.3 grams (varying by region and period).
Origin of name: "Drachma" (δραχμή) derives from "drax" (handful) or "drassomai" (to grasp), possibly referring to a handful of six obol coins.
Weight standard: The Attic drachma (Athens) weighed about 4.3 g of silver, becoming a widespread weight and monetary standard.
Roman Adoption (300 BCE - 500 CE)
Drachma in Roman medicine: Roman physicians adopted Greek medical practices, including pharmaceutical measurements based on the drachma.
Galen's formulations: The physician Galen (129-216 CE) used drachmas extensively in medicinal recipes, establishing the unit in medical tradition.
Byzantine and Islamic Medicine (500-1200 CE)
Byzantine continuation: The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) preserved Greek medical texts, maintaining the drachm as a pharmaceutical unit.
Islamic Golden Age: Arab physicians (Al-Razi, Avicenna) translated Greek medical works, incorporating drachms into Arabic pharmacy. The dirham (Arabic coin) shares the same etymological root.
Transmission to Europe: Through Islamic Spain and Sicily, Arabic medical knowledge returned to Western Europe (11th-13th centuries), bringing pharmaceutical drachm measurements.
Medieval European Apothecaries (1200-1600)
Apothecary guilds: European cities established apothecary guilds, standardizing medicinal weights based on the drachm.
The apothecary system:
- 1 pound (lb ap) = 12 ounces
- 1 ounce (℥) = 8 drams (ʒ)
- 1 dram = 3 scruples (℈)
- 1 scruple = 20 grains (gr)
Result: 1 apothecary dram = 60 grains
Symbol evolution: The symbol ʒ (scribal abbreviation for Latin "drachma") became standard for the dram.
British Standardization (1600-1800)
London Pharmacopoeia (1618): The first official British pharmacopoeia standardized apothecary weights, including the dram at 60 grains.
Avoirdupois emergence: Simultaneously, the avoirdupois system developed for general commerce, creating a different dram:
- Avoirdupois dram = 1/16 ounce = 27.34375 grains
Coexistence: Two dram standards coexisted—apothecary for medicine, avoirdupois for trade.
American Adoption (1776-1900)
U.S. Pharmacopeia (1820): The first U.S. Pharmacopeia codified pharmaceutical measurements, adopting British apothecary standards including the dram.
Medical education: American medical schools taught apothecary measurements. Physicians wrote prescriptions using symbols like ʒ for drams.
Commercial use: Avoirdupois drams measured gunpowder, spices, precious materials, and other commodities.
Ammunition Application (1800s-Present)
Black powder charges: Early firearms used black powder measured in drams. A "3-dram load" meant 3 avoirdupois drams of powder.
Dram equivalent: With the transition to smokeless powder (1880s onward), manufacturers created "dram equivalent" ratings—the amount of smokeless powder producing the same velocity as a given dram measure of black powder.
Modern shotshells: Today's shotgun shells still reference "3 dram equivalent" or "3¼ dram equivalent" on the box, though actual powder weights are in grains or grams.
Metrication and Decline (1900-Present)
British pharmacy (1970): The UK officially abandoned apothecary weights, switching entirely to metric (grams, milligrams).
American pharmacy (1970s-1980s): U.S. pharmacy schools phased out apothecary measurements, adopting metric. By 1990, nearly all prescriptions used metric units.
Persistence:
- Ammunition: Dram equivalent ratings continue
- Historical recipes: Antique cookbooks and medical texts
- Collectors: Antique apothecary scales and weights
-
Metric System Origins: The microgram is derived from the gram, a base unit in the early metric system defined in the late 18th century during the French Revolution (1790s).
-
Prefix Development: The prefix "micro-" (symbol: µ) was formalized in the late 19th century as part of the systematic development of metric prefixes to indicate a factor of 10⁻⁶ (one millionth).
-
Scientific Need: As analytical chemistry and biology advanced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, scientists needed to measure increasingly smaller masses - leading to widespread adoption of the microgram.
-
Pharmaceutical Revolution: The microgram became critically important in the 20th century with:
- Development of potent hormones (thyroid, insulin)
- Discovery of vitamins requiring trace amounts
- Creation of modern pharmaceuticals with precise dosing
- Antibiotics and specialized medications
-
Vitamin Discovery Era (1910s-1940s):
- Scientists discovered vitamins needed in microgram quantities
- Vitamin B12, biotin, folate measured in µg
- Nutrition labels began using micrograms
- Public health campaigns addressed micronutrient deficiencies
-
Symbol Standardization:
- µg adopted as standard scientific notation
- mcg introduced in medical settings to prevent confusion (µ can look like m if handwritten poorly)
- Both symbols officially recognized and equivalent
-
Modern Usage: Today, micrograms are essential in:
- Pharmaceutical dosing (especially endocrinology)
- Nutritional labeling (vitamins, minerals)
- Environmental monitoring (air/water quality)
- Toxicology and forensic science
- Analytical chemistry (trace analysis)
Common Uses and Applications: drams vs micrograms
Explore the typical applications for both Dram (imperial/US) and Microgram (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for drams
1. Ammunition and Reloading
Shotshell ratings: Manufacturers mark shotgun shells with "dram equivalent" to indicate approximate velocity/power level.
Why still used? Tradition and familiarity. Shooters understand "3 dram load" means standard power, while "3¾ dram" is heavy magnum.
Reloading manuals: Some reloading data references dram equivalents alongside modern grain measurements.
2. Historical Recipe Interpretation
19th-century cookbooks: Recipes may call for "1 dram of nutmeg" or "2 drams of ginger."
Conversion challenge: Must determine if the recipe uses avoirdupois or apothecary drams (usually avoirdupois for cooking).
Modern equivalent: 1 avoirdupois dram ≈ 1.77 grams ≈ 1/3 teaspoon (for dry spices)
3. Antique Apothecary Items
Collectible scales: Antique apothecary scales often have dram weights marked with ʒ.
Medicine bottles: Historical pharmacy bottles may indicate contents in drams.
Historical research: Understanding drams is essential for interpreting 18th-19th century medical texts.
4. Pharmaceutical History
Old pharmacopoeias: Historical pharmaceutical formulas use apothecary drams.
Example prescription (1850s): "℞ Quinine sulfate ʒij" = Take 2 drams of quinine sulfate
Modern interpretation: 2 apothecary drams = 7.78 grams
When to Use micrograms
The microgram is essential for measuring extremely small quantities across multiple fields:
Medicine & Pharmaceuticals
Measuring dosages of potent medications and hormones where milligrams would be too large a unit. Critical for endocrinology, psychiatry, and specialized therapeutics.
Why micrograms matter:
- Potent drugs have narrow therapeutic windows
- Prevents overdose from rounding errors
- Allows fine-tuning of hormone replacement
- Essential for pediatric dosing
Common medications in µg:
- Thyroid hormones (25-200 µg)
- Birth control (15-35 µg estrogen)
- Vitamin B12 supplements (100-1,000 µg)
- Folic acid (400-800 µg)
- Digoxin (62.5-250 µg)
⚠️ Safety: Pharmacists use mcg (not µg) on prescriptions to prevent µ being misread as m.
Convert medication doses: µg to mg | mg to µg
Nutrition
Specifying amounts of trace minerals and vitamins in food, especially those needed in very small quantities but essential for health.
Nutrients measured in µg:
- Vitamin B12 (2.4 µg/day)
- Vitamin D (10-20 µg/day)
- Vitamin K (90-120 µg/day)
- Folate (400 µg/day)
- Selenium (55 µg/day)
- Biotin (30 µg/day)
Why µg for nutrition:
- Daily requirements are very small
- Prevents decimal errors (easier than 0.0024 g)
- International standard for supplement labeling
- Matches medical terminology
Food Fortification:
- Breakfast cereals: Fortified with µg amounts of B vitamins
- Milk: Vitamin D added in µg
- Salt: Iodine fortification (45-100 µg per gram of salt)
Chemistry & Biology
Quantifying trace amounts of substances in experiments, especially in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Laboratory Applications:
- Sample preparation: Weighing µg of rare compounds
- Protein quantification: Bradford/BCA assays use µg protein
- DNA/RNA: Quantified in µg for PCR, sequencing
- HPLC/GC: Injection standards in µg amounts
- Mass spectrometry: Detection at µg to pg levels
Biochemical Standards:
- Enzyme activity: Units per µg protein
- Cell culture: Growth factors at 1-100 µg/mL
- Antibody concentration: Often µg/mL
Environmental Science
Measuring concentrations of pollutants or contaminants in air, water, and soil at parts-per-million (ppm) or parts-per-billion (ppb) levels.
Environmental Monitoring:
-
Air quality: µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter)
- PM2.5 particulates
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
-
Water quality: µg/L (micrograms per liter = ppb)
- Arsenic, lead, mercury in drinking water
- Pesticide residues
- Pharmaceutical contaminants
- Microplastics
-
Soil contamination: µg/kg (micrograms per kilogram = ppb)
- Heavy metal contamination
- Persistent organic pollutants
Regulatory Standards:
- EPA sets limits in µg/m³ or µg/L
- WHO guidelines use µg measurements
- EU environmental regulations
Toxicology and Forensics
Measuring extremely small amounts of toxic substances, drugs, or poisons in biological samples.
Forensic Toxicology:
- Blood drug levels (µg/L)
- Urine drug screening (µg/mL)
- Hair analysis (µg/mg hair)
- Tissue samples (µg/g tissue)
Clinical Toxicology:
- Heavy metal poisoning (blood lead: µg/dL)
- Drug overdose assessment
- Therapeutic drug monitoring
- Poison detection
Detection Limits:
- Modern instruments: Can detect picograms (0.001 µg)
- High sensitivity needed for trace toxins
Research and Development
Pharmaceutical R&D, materials science, and nanotechnology use micrograms for:
- Drug formulation studies
- Nanoparticle synthesis
- Catalyst development
- Biosensor fabrication
- Quality control testing
Use our weight converter for scientific conversions.
Additional Unit Information
About Dram (dr)
How many drams are in an ounce (avoirdupois)?
Exactly 16 avoirdupois drams = 1 avoirdupois ounce.
This is the definition:
- 1 oz av = 16 dr av
- 1 dr av = 1/16 oz av = 0.0625 oz
How many grams are in a dram (avoirdupois)?
1 avoirdupois dram = 1.7718451953125 grams (exactly).
Practical approximation: 1 dr av ≈ 1.77 g
Derivation: 1 pound av = 453.59237 grams (exact) 1 pound = 256 drams 1 dram = 453.59237 ÷ 256 = 1.77185 g
Is a dram a unit of mass or volume?
Both exist, which causes significant confusion:
Mass (weight):
- Avoirdupois dram (dr): 1.772 g
- Apothecary dram (ʒ): 3.888 g
Volume:
- Fluid dram (fl dr, US): 3.697 mL
- Fluid dram (fl dr, imperial): 3.552 mL
Context matters:
- Pharmacy/medicine historically: could be either (check symbols)
- General commerce: usually weight
- Modern usage: rare except ammunition (weight-related rating)
What's the difference between avoirdupois and apothecary drams?
Avoirdupois dram (commercial):
- 1/16 ounce avoirdupois
- 27.34375 grains
- 1.772 grams
- Used for general goods
Apothecary dram (pharmaceutical):
- 1/8 ounce apothecary
- 60 grains
- 3.888 grams
- Used for medicines
Key difference: Apothecary dram is 2.19× heavier than avoirdupois dram.
What does the symbol ʒ mean?
The symbol ʒ represents the apothecary dram.
Origin: Scribal abbreviation of Latin "drachma" or "dragma."
Appearance: Resembles a fancy number "3," which is appropriate since 1 dram = 3 scruples.
Usage: Historical pharmaceutical prescriptions: "℞ Morphine ʒi" = Take 1 dram of morphine
What is a dram equivalent in ammunition?
"Dram equivalent" is a velocity/power rating for shotgun shells, not actual powder weight.
Historical context: Black powder shotgun loads used actual drams of powder (e.g., "3 drams of black powder").
Modern meaning: A "3 dram equivalent" smokeless powder load produces approximately the same muzzle velocity as a historical 3-dram black powder load.
Actual powder weight: Modern "3 dram equivalent" loads typically contain 18-22 grains of smokeless powder (less than 1 actual dram by weight).
Rating scale:
- 2¾ dram eq: Light/target
- 3 dram eq: Standard
- 3¼ dram eq: Magnum
- 3¾ - 4 dram eq: Heavy magnum
Do doctors still use drams?
No, modern medicine uses metric units exclusively.
Historical use: 19th and early 20th century physicians wrote prescriptions using apothecary measurements including drams (ʒ).
Transition:
- UK: Abandoned apothecary units in 1970
- US: Phased out 1970s-1990s
Current practice: All modern prescriptions use milligrams (mg), grams (g), and milliliters (mL). Drams are historical artifacts.
How do I convert historical dram measurements?
Step 1: Identify the system
- Pharmacy/medicine: Likely apothecary dram (3.888 g)
- Cooking/commerce: Likely avoirdupois dram (1.772 g)
Step 2: Check for symbols
- ʒ symbol: Definitely apothecary
- "dr" or no symbol: Context-dependent (probably avoirdupois for cooking)
Step 3: Convert to grams
- Avoirdupois: drams × 1.772
- Apothecary: drams × 3.888
Step 4: Convert to modern measure
- Grams to teaspoons (dry ingredients): ~5 g per tsp
- Grams to milliliters (liquids): depends on density
Can I still buy dram weights?
Yes, as antique collectibles, but not for practical use.
Antique apothecary weights: Available from antique dealers, often brass or bronze, marked with ʒ symbol.
Modern equivalents: Not manufactured. Use gram scales instead.
Collectible value: Complete sets of 18th-19th century apothecary weights command $100-500+ depending on condition.
Why did pharmacy abandon drams?
Multiple reasons drove metrication:
1. International standardization: Metric system adopted globally for science and medicine.
2. Safety: Multiple dram systems (avoirdupois vs. apothecary) created dangerous confusion.
3. Ease of calculation: Decimal metric system simpler than fractional apothecary system.
4. Precision: Milligrams allow more precise dosing than grains/scruples/drams.
Result: By 1990, virtually all pharmacy worldwide used metric exclusively.
About Microgram (µg)
How many micrograms are in a milligram?
There are 1,000 micrograms (µg) in 1 milligram (mg).
Conversion:
- 1 mg = 1,000 µg
- To convert mg to µg: multiply by 1,000
- To convert µg to mg: divide by 1,000
Examples:
- 0.5 mg = 500 µg
- 1.5 mg = 1,500 µg
- 0.025 mg = 25 µg
- 10 mg = 10,000 µg
Memory aid: "Milli" is bigger than "micro" - mg is 1,000 times larger than µg.
Use our mg to µg converter for instant conversions.
How many micrograms are in a gram?
There are 1,000,000 micrograms (µg) in 1 gram (g).
Calculation: 1 g = 1,000 mg, and 1 mg = 1,000 µg, therefore: 1 g = 1,000 × 1,000 µg = 1,000,000 µg
Conversion:
- 1 g = 1,000,000 µg
- To convert g to µg: multiply by 1,000,000
- To convert µg to g: divide by 1,000,000
Examples:
- 0.001 g = 1,000 µg
- 0.01 g = 10,000 µg
- 0.1 g = 100,000 µg
- 1 g = 1,000,000 µg
Perspective: A grain of salt (~1 mg) contains ~1,000 µg.
What is the symbol for microgram?
The standard symbol is µg (using the Greek letter µ, pronounced "mu").
Alternative symbol: mcg (used especially in medical contexts)
Why two symbols?:
- µg: Standard scientific notation, internationally recognized
- mcg: Safer in medical prescriptions - prevents µ being misread as m
- Both mean exactly the same thing: 1 µg = 1 mcg
Safety issue:
- Handwritten µ can look like m
- "µg" misread as "mg" = 1,000x dosing error
- Medical professionals prefer "mcg" to prevent fatal errors
How to type µ:
- Mac: Option + M
- Windows: Alt + 230
- Or just type "mcg" in medical contexts
Is µg the same as mcg?
Yes! µg and mcg mean exactly the same thing.
- µg: Microgram (using Greek letter µ)
- mcg: Microgram (using letters m-c-g)
- Both = 0.001 mg = 0.000001 g
Why both exist?:
- µg: Standard in science, chemistry, environmental science
- mcg: Preferred in medicine/pharmacy for safety
- Prevents µ being misread as m (which would be mg)
Where you'll see each:
- µg: Scientific papers, environmental reports, lab results
- mcg: Prescription bottles, medical records, pharmacy labels
- Both: Nutrition labels (may show either or both)
Important: Always verify which unit - never assume!
How much is 1 microgram visually?
1 microgram is EXTREMELY small - too small to see with the naked eye.
Visual comparisons:
- 1,000 µg = 1 mg = 1 grain of table salt
- 100 µg = Approximate weight of a human red blood cell
- 10 µg = Large grain of pollen
- 1 µg = Small speck of dust
Perspective:
- 1 paperclip ≈ 1,000,000 µg (1 gram)
- 1 grain of salt ≈ 1,000 µg (1 mg)
- 1 eyelash ≈ 10-100 µg
- 1 human hair (1 cm) ≈ 60-90 µg
For medication:
- A typical Vitamin B12 tablet (1,000 µg) looks like any small pill
- The active ingredient weighs 1 mg
- The rest is filler/binder
You cannot "see" individual micrograms - you need a precision scale to measure them accurately.
What medications are dosed in micrograms?
Many potent medications use microgram dosing:
Thyroid Hormones (most common):
- Levothyroxine: 25-200 µg
- Liothyronine: 5-50 µg
Hormonal Medications:
- Birth control pills: 15-35 µg estrogen
- Testosterone: Some formulations
Cardiovascular:
- Digoxin: 62.5-250 µg
- Clonidine: 100-600 µg
Pain Management:
- Fentanyl: Patches deliver µg/hour
- (Fentanyl is EXTREMELY potent - µg doses)
Vitamins (technically supplements):
- Vitamin B12: 100-5,000 µg
- Vitamin D: 10-125 µg (400-5,000 IU)
- Folate: 400-800 µg
- Biotin: 30-10,000 µg
Why micrograms?:
- Very potent drugs need small doses
- Narrow therapeutic window
- Prevents overdose from measurement errors
⚠️ Safety: These medications have microgram-level dosing precisely because they're potent. Never adjust dose without medical supervision.
How do I measure micrograms at home?
Short answer: You generally CAN'T and SHOULDN'T measure micrograms at home.
Why not?:
- Kitchen scales: Accurate to 1 gram (1,000,000 µg) - NOT precise enough
- Jewelry scales: Accurate to 0.01-0.1 g (10,000-100,000 µg) - still not precise
- Milligram scales: Accurate to 1 mg (1,000 µg) - closer but not µg-level
- Microgram precision: Requires laboratory analytical balance ($1,000-$10,000)
For Medications:
- ✅ Use pre-measured tablets/capsules - safest option
- ✅ Follow prescription exactly - don't compound at home
- ✅ Liquid medications: Use provided dropper/syringe
- ❌ Never try to measure powder medications at home
For Supplements:
- Buy pre-dosed pills (e.g., 1,000 µg B12 tablets)
- Use products with certified dosing
- Don't buy raw powder unless you're a lab
If you need microgram precision:
- Laboratory analytical balance required
- Calibrated weights for accuracy
- Controlled environment (no air currents)
- Cost: $1,000+ for quality balance
Safety warning: ⚠️ For medications, NEVER attempt home measurement. Fatal dosing errors possible. Always use professionally prepared medications.
What's the difference between µg/mL and mg/L?
They are exactly the same!
µg/mL = mg/L (both equal parts per million in water)
Why?:
- 1 mL = 0.001 L (or 1 L = 1,000 mL)
- 1 mg = 1,000 µg
- Therefore: 1 mg/L = 1,000 µg/1,000 mL = 1 µg/mL
Examples:
- Lead in water: 15 µg/L = 0.015 mg/L
- Drug concentration: 100 µg/mL = 100 mg/L
- Vitamin solution: 50 µg/mL = 50 mg/L
Common uses:
- µg/mL: Laboratory concentrations, drug solutions
- mg/L: Environmental standards, water quality
- Both: Used interchangeably depending on field
Parts per million (ppm):
- In water: 1 ppm = 1 mg/L = 1 µg/mL
- In air: 1 ppm is different (depends on molecular weight)
How many IU is a microgram?
It depends on which vitamin! IU (International Units) convert differently for each substance.
Vitamin D (most common):
- 1 µg = 40 IU
- 1 IU = 0.025 µg
Common Vitamin D conversions:
- 400 IU = 10 µg
- 800 IU = 20 µg
- 1,000 IU = 25 µg
- 2,000 IU = 50 µg
- 5,000 IU = 125 µg
Vitamin A (retinol):
- 1 IU ≈ 0.3 µg retinol
- 1 µg retinol ≈ 3.33 IU
Vitamin E (α-tocopherol):
- 1 IU ≈ 0.67 mg α-tocopherol
- (Note: mg not µg for Vitamin E!)
Why different?:
- IU measures biological activity, not mass
- Each vitamin has different potency
- Historical measurement system
- Modern labels often show both µg and IU
Tip: Check supplement labels - most show both µg and IU for clarity.
What is µg/dL in blood tests?
µg/dL = micrograms per deciliter - commonly used in blood test results.
What it means:
- Concentration of a substance in blood
- 1 dL = 100 mL (1 deciliter = 10th of a liter)
- µg/dL tells you: micrograms per 100 milliliters of blood
Common blood tests using µg/dL:
Blood Lead Level:
- Normal: <5 µg/dL
- Elevated: 5-10 µg/dL
- High: >10 µg/dL (concern)
- Toxic: >45 µg/dL
Blood Glucose (note: mg/dL, not µg/dL):
- Normal fasting: 70-100 mg/dL
- (This is milligrams, not micrograms!)
Iron/Ferritin: Sometimes reported in µg/dL Vitamin B12: Often ng/mL or pg/mL (nanograms/picograms)
Conversion:
- 1 µg/dL = 10 µg/L
- 1 µg/dL = 0.01 mg/L
- 1 µg/dL = 10 ng/mL
Clinical significance:
- Reference ranges vary by lab
- Always check lab's normal range
- Consult healthcare provider for interpretation
Note: µg/dL is different from µg/mL:
- 1 µg/dL = 0.01 µg/mL (100 times smaller)
Conversion Table: Dram to Microgram
| Dram (dr) | Microgram (µg) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 885,922.598 |
| 1 | 1,771,845.195 |
| 1.5 | 2,657,767.793 |
| 2 | 3,543,690.391 |
| 5 | 8,859,225.977 |
| 10 | 17,718,451.953 |
| 25 | 44,296,129.883 |
| 50 | 88,592,259.766 |
| 100 | 177,184,519.531 |
| 250 | 442,961,298.828 |
| 500 | 885,922,597.656 |
| 1,000 | 1,771,845,195.313 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Dram to Microgram?
To convert Dram to Microgram, enter the value in Dram in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our weight converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Dram to Microgram?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Dram and Microgram. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Microgram back to Dram?
Yes! You can easily convert Microgram back to Dram by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Microgram to Dram converter page. You can also explore other weight conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Dram and Microgram?
Dram and Microgram are both standard units used in weight measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our weight converter for more conversion options.
For more weight conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for weight and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Weight Conversions
Other Weight Units and Conversions
Explore other weight units and their conversion options:
- Kilogram (kg) • Dram to Kilogram
- Gram (g) • Dram to Gram
- Milligram (mg) • Dram to Milligram
- Pound (lb) • Dram to Pound
- Ounce (oz) • Dram to Ounce
- Stone (st) • Dram to Stone
- Ton (metric) (t) • Dram to Ton (metric)
- Ton (US) (ton) • Dram to Ton (US)
- Ton (UK) (long ton) • Dram to Ton (UK)
- Carat (ct) • Dram to Carat
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — US standards for weight and mass measurements
International Organization for Standardization — International standard for mechanics quantities
Last verified: December 3, 2025