G to MG to MCG? Is there a easy way to remember?

[jerseygirl01]

The above is incorrect. Grams are larger than milligrams. Milligrams are larger than micrograms. Therefore: mg (milligram) = 1/1000 of a gram and mcg (microgram) = 1/1,000 of a mg

In other words:

1 gram=1,000 milligrams.

1,000 milligrams =1,000,000 micrograms

Be careful with your decimal placement.

So to recap for simplicity:

1gram = 1,000 milligrams which is the same as 1,000,000 micrograms.

Here is a link to help you quickly convert as well:

https://www.easysurf.cc/cnver9.htm#gtomw1

I hope this helps.

[Inland18mempiree]

Here's how I remembered to do these questions. Make a ladder with the biggest value on top, and the smallest value on bottom, like this:

Kg
Grams
Mg
mcg

If you go "up the ladder" (if you want to convert mcg to mg), you move the decimal point to the LEFT 3 places.

If you go "down the ladder" (if you want to convert mg to mcg), you move the decimal point to the RIGHT 3 places.

For example, 1.2mg is how many micrograms? Well, since you're going "down" the ladder, move the decimal point to the RIGHT, which equals 1200mcg.

Just practice this a few times, and it'll stick!

[thekingandhislady]

I basically do it the same way. From higher to lower I go right decimals and from lower to higher I go left three decimals. Ex. Higher to lower: 1kg =(left three decimals)1000g Lower to higher: 1000mg= (right three decimals) 1 g and so on.

Kg
G
mg
mcg

[jerseygirl01]

You'll get used to the metric conversion the more you are exposed to it in the hospital setting. Thankfully, in some situations, IV pumps have become safer in order to protect the patient from miscalculations. However, some calculations still need to be done by the RN making learning the metric conversions a must. You will get used to it quicker than you think. Just remember back to your chemistry and pharmacology training. Practice with metric conversion links so it becomes second nature before you test. Good luck to you.

[brunny]

amy0123 said:

Any tips or advice on the med calculation conversion would be great. I looked through a few books but it doesn't really give easy ways to know this.

I remember seeing something like this but ugh I don't have my notes on it.

For example: 1g (divided by 1000=) .001mg (divided by 1000=) .000001mcg

Is this right?

Remember it this way g>mg>mcg move the decimals in the direction of the arrows or mcg.

[MJJFan1, BSN, RN]

The best way to learn it is the left-right system:

King Hector Died-=basic unit-Drinking Chocolate Milk 3 more right to Micro

Kilo Hecto Deca Deci Centi Milli 3 more right to Micro

so if you have 1g of something and want to convert to mcg, go 6 decimal places right to get mcg.

1.0g=100000.0mcg

if you have 1mcg of something and want to convert to 1g you go from micro to the basic unit----which is 6 decimal places to the left.

1.0mcg=0.001mg

if you have 1kg and want to convert to mg go 6 spaces right 1.0kg=1000000.0mg

if you have 1mg and need mcg, go 3 right

1.0mg=1000.0mcg

with this system, it's all about the decimal place

[sunflowerross, LPN]

This is enough to make me go crazy...math is not my favorite subject! thank you inland18--I love the ladder, this will help!!!!!! I'm going to use this for the rest of the evening.

I've been studying for the nclex for weeks!!!! I'm taking my nclex tomorrow--ugh!

Wish me luck fellow nurses!!!

[CharlieT]

Ok, I use really stupid things to help me remember stuff like this. The dumber, the better.

mcg is like a gallon of gasoline.

mg is like a can of gasoline.

g is like a tank of gasoline (Don't see many of those while in school)

kg is like a truck load of gasoline.

I hope this helps someone, even if it just makes you smile.

[rnlyssa, LPN]

amy0123 said:

Any tips or advice on the med calculation conversion would be great. I looked through a few books but it doesn't really give easy ways to know this.

I remember seeing something like this but ugh I don't have my notes on it.

For example: 1g (divided by 1000=) .001mg (divided by 1000=) .000001mcg

Is this right?

Isn't it 1g=1000mg=1000000mcg?

Right?

[AirforceRN, RN]

I'm not trying to make fun of anybody (goodness knows I have no idea how many feet are in a mile) but I find it amusing that this is an issue. I know it's because we are raised learning the correct, sorry... I mean metric system that it comes naturally, I never thought of people struggling with it. Welcome to the ideas of the north eh!

[amy0123, BSN, RN]

rnlyssa said:

Isn't it 1g=1000mg=1000000mcg?

Right?

Yes because:

1g x1000 = 1000mg

==> decimal 3 spaces to the right

1000mg x1000 = 1000000mcg

==> decimal 3 spaces to the right

dividing would take you the opposite direction

Math has been my worse enemy but once I get to know it, it's like we're good friends.

[amy0123, BSN, RN]

To correct lilmama007, according to this website:

http://www.easysurf.cc/cnver9.htm#gtomw1

1kg = 1,000,000mg

1mcg = 0.001mg

When moving from mcg to mg, move 3 spaces to the left.

From mg to g move 3 spaces to the left.

When kg are used in a dosage calculation, they are often used to convert the weight of someone in pounds.

For example, if someone weighed 125lbs, divide by 2.2kg to get 56kg.