Microgram (µg) - Unit Information & Conversion
What is a Microgram?
Definition
A microgram 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. It is often denoted by the symbol µg.
History
The microgram is derived from the gram, a base unit in early metric systems defined in the late 18th century. The prefix "micro-" indicates a factor of 10⁻⁶.
Common Uses
- Medicine & Pharmaceuticals: Measuring dosages of potent medications and vitamins.
- Chemistry & Biology: Quantifying trace amounts of substances in experiments.
- Environmental Science: Measuring concentrations of pollutants or contaminants.
- Nutrition: Specifying amounts of trace minerals and vitamins in food.
Unit FAQs
How many micrograms are in a milligram?
There are 1,000 micrograms (µg) in 1 milligram (mg).
How many micrograms are in a gram?
There are 1,000,000 micrograms (µg) in 1 gram (g).
What is the symbol for microgram?
The standard symbol is µg. Sometimes 'mcg' is used, especially in medical contexts, to avoid confusion with 'mg' (milligram) if the µ symbol is unavailable or could be misread.
Microgram Conversion Formulas
To Kilogram:
To Gram:
To Milligram:
To Pound:
To Ounce:
To Stone:
To Ton (metric):
To Ton (US):
To Ton (UK):
To Carat:
To Slug:
To Troy Ounce:
To Pennyweight:
To Grain:
To Dram:
To Quintal:
To Atomic Mass Unit:
To Pavan (India):
To Kati (India):
To Masha (India):
To Dina (India):
To Pras (India):
To Lota (India):
Convert Microgram
Need to convert Microgram to other weight units? Use our conversion tool.