Copper µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert copper from µg/dL to µmol/L
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
Copper µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert copper from µg/dL to µmol/L
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the Copper µg/dL → µmol/L?
Serum copper is reported in µg/dL in the USA, Turkey and by some laboratories in German-speaking countries, and in µmol/L in the UK and other SI-based settings. This converter multiplies by 0.1574, the factor that follows from the atomic mass of copper (63.55 g/mol). It applies to total serum or plasma copper, most of which circulates bound to caeruloplasmin.
When to use it
- Comparing a µg/dL result with SI-based literature, e.g. on Wilson disease or copper deficiency
- Reading British or Scandinavian case reports after a result in conventional units
- Comparing serial values after a change of laboratory
When not to use it
- Urinary copper, usually reported as an amount per 24 hours, or liver copper per gram of dry weight
- Caeruloplasmin, a protein concentration reported in mg/dL or g/L
- Drawing a diagnosis from total copper alone — it reflects caeruloplasmin as much as copper status
How it is calculated
Copper (µmol/L) = copper (µg/dL) × 0.1574
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- 1 µg/dL ≈ 0.157 µmol/L; 100 µg/dL ≈ 15.7 µmol/L.
- Total copper follows caeruloplasmin: it rises with inflammation, oestrogen exposure and pregnancy and falls when caeruloplasmin is low — so it can be low in Wilson disease despite copper overload.
- Calculating non-caeruloplasmin-bound ('free') copper requires copper and caeruloplasmin in consistent units; convert both before combining them.
- Trace-element-free collection tubes matter, because contamination falsely raises the result. Reference intervals come from the reporting laboratory.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert copper from µg/dL to µmol/L?
Multiply by 0.1574. For example, 120 µg/dL × 0.1574 = 18.9 µmol/L and 75 µg/dL × 0.1574 = 11.8 µmol/L.
Where does the factor 0.1574 come from?
Copper has an atomic mass of 63.55 g/mol. 1 µg/dL is 10 µg/L, and 10 ÷ 63.55 = 0.1574 µmol/L.
Is copper measured in serum or plasma?
Laboratories accept serum or plasma depending on their method. More important than the matrix are a tube free of trace-element contamination and a reference interval established for the sample type the laboratory actually uses.
Evidence and guidelines
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/copper-ug-dl-to-umol-l">Copper µg/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.