How to Convert Milligrams to Micrograms (mg to µg)
Weight units matter at the wet market, where older stalls and Chinese medical halls still quote prices per kati or tael, and when following American recipes in ounces and pounds. This guide shows how to convert milligrams into micrograms by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert milligrams to micrograms, multiply the value by 1,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.001). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000.
Micrograms = milligrams × 1,000
Worked examples
- 3 mg = 3,000 µg
- 12.5 mg = 12,500 µg
- 75 mg = 75,000 µg
Milligrams to Micrograms table
| Milligrams | Micrograms |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 µg |
| 2 mg | 2,000 µg |
| 5 mg | 5,000 µg |
| 10 mg | 10,000 µg |
| 20 mg | 20,000 µg |
| 25 mg | 25,000 µg |
| 50 mg | 50,000 µg |
| 100 mg | 100,000 µg |
| 250 mg | 250,000 µg |
| 500 mg | 500,000 µg |
| 1,000 mg | 1,000,000 µg |
Common questions
Is mg to µg exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Micrograms to Milligrams converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Background
For everyday use, three or four significant figures are usually enough. Engineering, science and trade documents may need more, and rounding should happen only at the end of a calculation.
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
For any value, use the Milligrams to Micrograms Converter or browse all weight converters.
Run your own numbers: Milligrams to Micrograms Converter