Nursing calculators
Practice this skill →Calculate, review one worked example, then practice the same skill.
Unit Converter
Convert medication mass, weight, temperature, height, fluid volume, and selected laboratory units.
Calculation practice
Learn nursing unit conversion
Convert medication, weight, temperature, height, volume, and selected laboratory units.
Formula
Keep the units in the setup. Cancel them before you accept the answer.
Target value=Starting value × Target-unit equivalentStarting-unit equivalent
Worked example
Convert 0.075 mg to mcg.
- 1Use 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.
- 20.075 mg × (1,000 mcg ÷ 1 mg) = 75 mcg.
- 3The mg units cancel. The remaining unit is mcg.
Answer: 75 mcg
Checks before use
- Write the target unit before you set up the conversion.
- Arrange the conversion factor so that the starting unit cancels.
- Estimate the direction of change before you accept the result.
Practice this skill
Create a printable unit-conversion worksheet with worked solutions.
References
- Chapter 5: Math Calculations — Open RN, NCBI Bookshelf
- Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations — Institute for Safe Medication Practices
Site editor: Daniel Tran, PharmD. Educational use only. Verify the order, current drug reference, prepared product, and facility policy before clinical use.
For educational use only. Always verify with clinical judgment and facility protocols.