Folate ng/mL → nmol/L
Convert folate from ng/mL to nmol/L
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
Folate ng/mL → nmol/L
Convert folate from ng/mL to nmol/L
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the Folate ng/mL → nmol/L?
Serum folate is reported in ng/mL (= µg/L) in Turkey, the USA and many German-speaking laboratories, and in nmol/L in many other European laboratories. This converter multiplies by 2.266, based on the molar mass of folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid, 441.4 g/mol). Natural folates in blood, mainly 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, have a slightly different molar mass, so the factor is a convention used in SI tables.
When to use it
- Comparing a serum folate in ng/mL with literature that uses nmol/L
- Following folate status across laboratories with different units
- Reading research on neural tube defect prevention or anaemia work-up
- Exam preparation
When not to use it
- Red-cell folate without checking the report — it is a different specimen with its own reference values, even if the unit looks the same
- Folic acid doses in mg or µg, which are amounts, not concentrations
- Judging folate status from a single serum value after a recent meal or supplement
How it is calculated
Folate (nmol/L) = folate (ng/mL) × 2.266
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- 1 ng/mL = 1 µg/L ≈ 2.266 nmol/L; 6 ng/mL ≈ 13.6 nmol/L.
- Serum folate reflects recent intake; red-cell folate reflects status over the lifespan of erythrocytes.
- Haemolysis falsely raises serum folate because red cells contain much more folate than serum.
- Reference intervals depend on assay and laboratory and differ between serum and red-cell folate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert folate from ng/mL to nmol/L?
Multiply by 2.266. For example, 6 ng/mL × 2.266 = 13.6 nmol/L and 12 ng/mL × 2.266 = 27.2 nmol/L.
Where does the factor 2.266 come from?
Folic acid has a molar mass of 441.4 g/mol. 1 ng/mL is 1000 ng/L, and 1000 ÷ 441.4 = 2.266 nmol/L.
Is folate the same as folic acid?
Folate is the umbrella term for the vitamin's forms; folic acid is the synthetic form in supplements. Laboratory assays measure folates in blood and report them against a folic acid–based unit.
Evidence and guidelines
Have a follow-up question?
Medelix answers clinical questions from current guidelines and studies — every statement with its source.
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/folate-ng-ml-to-nmol-l">Folate ng/mL → nmol/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.