MedeliX
Start asking

Bilirubin mg/dL → µmol/L

Convert bilirubin from mg/dL to µmol/L

Sources last checked: 2026-11-03

Bilirubin mg/dL → µmol/L

Convert bilirubin from mg/dL to µmol/L

Fill in every field to see the result.

Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.

Source: AMA Manual of Style, 11th ed. (Oxford Academic) — Units of measure converter, Table 2: Selected laboratory tests and conversion factors.Open

What is the Bilirubin mg/dL → µmol/L?

This converter turns serum bilirubin from mg/dL, used by most labs in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA, into µmol/L, the unit of UK, Scandinavian and many other European reports and guidelines. It multiplies by 17.104, the factor in the AMA Manual of Style SI table, which follows from the molar mass of unconjugated bilirubin.

When to use it

  • Applying UK or other European guidance, including neonatal jaundice charts, that is written in µmol/L
  • Comparing a German, Austrian or Turkish result with literature reporting SI units
  • Checking scores such as Child-Pugh when the table at hand is printed in µmol/L

When not to use it

  • MELD and MELD-Na, which are defined with bilirubin in mg/dL — enter the mg/dL value directly
  • Deciding whether a value needs action: reference ranges and treatment thresholds depend on the laboratory, the patient's age and the guideline

How it is calculated

Bilirubin (µmol/L) = bilirubin (mg/dL) × 17.104

Clinical pearls and limitations

  • Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
  • Total, direct and indirect bilirubin all use the same factor.
  • Many tables round the factor to 17.1; the difference from 17.104 is negligible clinically.
  • Neonatal charts exist in both unit systems — always check which unit a chart uses before plotting a value.
  • Haemolysis and strong light exposure of the sample can affect the measured value; the conversion cannot correct for that.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert bilirubin from mg/dL to µmol/L?

Multiply by 17.104. For example, 1.2 mg/dL × 17.104 = 20.5, which rounds to 21 µmol/L.

What is 10 mg/dL bilirubin in µmol/L?

10 × 17.104 = 171.04, about 171 µmol/L.

Does direct bilirubin use the same conversion factor?

Yes. Lab conversion of conjugated (direct) bilirubin uses the same factor as total bilirubin.

Evidence and guidelines

  1. Primary source: AMA Manual of Style, 11th ed. (Oxford Academic) — Units of measure converter, Table 2: Selected laboratory tests and conversion factors.

Have a follow-up question?

Medelix answers clinical questions from current guidelines and studies — every statement with its source.

Related calculators

Embed this calculatorFree to use on your website, intranet or teaching page. Copy the code below.
<iframe src="https://medelix.ai/en/embed/bilirubin-mgdl-to-umol" title="Bilirubin mg/dL → µmol/L – Medelix" width="100%" height="620" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/bilirubin-mg-dl-to-umol-l">Bilirubin mg/dL → µmol/L calculator by Medelix</a></p>

For healthcare professionals and medical students. These tools support, and do not replace, clinical judgement. Always check results against the original source and your local protocols.