Free mmol/L to mg/dL converter for blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Instant, accurate unit conversion based on ADA and clinical standards.
Supports 5 blood marker types
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Convert blood sugar levels between mmol/L and mg/dL (ADA guidelines)
Convert total cholesterol values (AHA/CDC standards)
Convert triglyceride measurements (Mayo Clinic reference)
Essential information for daily glucose monitoring
Learn how molecular weight determines conversion factors
What your numbers mean for your health
Comprehensive articles to help you understand your health numbers
Essential information for managing your blood glucose levels based on American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care 2024.
Check your blood glucose regularly. Most meters display results in either mmol/L or mg/dL. Use our converter above to understand your readings in either unit. The conversion factor for blood glucose is 18.018.
For most adults with diabetes, the ADA recommends: Fasting/pre-meal glucose 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L). Peak post-meal (1-2 hours after eating) below 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Consult your healthcare provider for personalized targets.
The ADA recommends an A1C goal of less than 7% for most adults with diabetes. An A1C of 7% corresponds to an estimated average glucose (eAG) of approximately 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L). Individual targets may vary based on your health profile.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): typically above 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Know your symptoms and when to seek medical help.
This converter is for reference only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss your blood glucose targets, medication, and management plan with your healthcare team.
Reference: American Diabetes Association Standards of Care 2024. A diabetes diagnosis typically requires confirmation with two separate tests. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Understanding the difference between mmol/L and mg/dL measurements in medical contexts.
Countries around the world use different units to measure blood substances. The International System of Units (SI) uses mmol/L (millimoles per liter) in most countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe and Asia. The United States primarily uses mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), which measures mass concentration rather than molar concentration.
When reading medical literature, comparing test results from different countries, or traveling internationally, understanding both units is essential. For example, a fasting glucose reading of 5.5 mmol/L equals approximately 99 mg/dL — knowing this helps you interpret results correctly regardless of where the test was performed.
Each substance has its own conversion factor based on its molecular weight. Blood glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆, MW 180.18 g/mol) uses 18.018. Cholesterol (C₂₇H₄₆O, MW 386.65 g/mol) uses 38.67. Triglycerides (as triolein, MW 885.7 g/mol) uses 88.57. These factors are derived from the formula: mg/dL = mmol/L × (molecular weight ÷ 10).
To convert mmol/L to mg/dL:
mg/dL = mmol/L × Factor
To convert mg/dL to mmol/L:
mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ Factor
Quick reference tables for converting common values between mmol/L and mg/dL based on clinical reference values.
Reference values for blood sugar levels (Factor: 18.018)
| mmol/L | mg/dL | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 54.1 | Low |
| 3.5 | 63.1 | Low |
| 4.0 | 72.1 | Normal |
| 4.5 | 81.1 | Normal |
| 5.0 | 90.1 | Normal |
| 5.5 | 99.1 | Normal |
| 6.0 | 108.1 | Prediabetes |
| 6.5 | 117.1 | Prediabetes |
| 7.0 | 126.1 | Diabetes |
| 7.5 | 135.1 | Diabetes |
| 8.0 | 144.1 | Diabetes |
| 8.5 | 153.2 | Diabetes |
| 9.0 | 162.2 | Diabetes |
| 9.5 | 171.2 | Diabetes |
| 10.0 | 180.2 | Diabetes |
| 10.5 | 189.2 | Diabetes |
| 11.0 | 198.2 | Diabetes |
| 11.5 | 207.2 | Diabetes |
| 12.0 | 216.2 | Diabetes |
Reference values for total cholesterol (Factor: 38.67)
| mmol/L | mg/dL | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 116.0 | Desirable |
| 3.5 | 135.3 | Desirable |
| 4.0 | 154.7 | Desirable |
| 4.5 | 174.0 | Desirable |
| 5.0 | 193.4 | Desirable |
| 5.5 | 212.7 | Borderline |
| 6.0 | 232.0 | Borderline |
| 6.5 | 251.4 | High |
| 7.0 | 270.7 | High |
| 7.5 | 290.0 | High |
| 8.0 | 309.4 | High |
Reference values for triglyceride levels (Factor: 88.57)
| mmol/L | mg/dL | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 44.3 | Normal |
| 0.8 | 66.4 | Normal |
| 1.0 | 88.6 | Normal |
| 1.3 | 110.7 | Normal |
| 1.5 | 132.9 | Normal |
| 1.8 | 155.0 | Borderline |
| 2.0 | 177.1 | Borderline |
| 2.3 | 199.3 | Borderline |
| 2.5 | 221.4 | High |
| 2.8 | 243.6 | High |
| 3.0 | 265.7 | High |
Common questions about mmol/L to mg/dL conversion.
This converter is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The conversion factors used are based on established scientific standards and clinical references. However, this tool is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor should it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or calculated using this tool.
References: American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care 2024, American Heart Association (AHA) Cholesterol Guidelines, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, NCBI/NIH.