Sometimes in Medicine there will be a need to understand how to convert Grams into Milligrams or other units of measure. There are a few ways you can accomplish this. One way would be to use a calculation tool (see below). The other way is by memory or on paper. There is a simple trick used when teaching the method of how to convert grams into milligrams.
Gram to Milligram Conversion Table
| Gram [g] | Milligram [mg] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 g | 10 mg |
| 0.1 g | 100 mg |
| 1 g | 1000 mg |
| 2 g | 2000 mg |
| 3 g | 3000 mg |
| 5 g | 5000 mg |
| 10 g | 10000 mg |
| 20 g | 20000 mg |
| 50 g | 50000 mg |
| 100 g | 100000 mg |
| 1000 g | 1000000 mg |
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!
