Iron µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert iron from µg/dL to µmol/L
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
Iron µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert iron from µg/dL to µmol/L
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the Iron µg/dL → µmol/L?
This converter turns serum iron reported in µg/dL — common in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA — into the SI unit µmol/L used by many laboratories in the UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. It multiplies by 0.1791, the factor that follows from the atomic mass of iron (55.84 g/mol) and matches the AMA Manual of Style SI table. It applies to serum iron and to iron-binding capacity, not to ferritin.
When to use it
- Comparing a serum iron result in µg/dL with literature or guidelines that use µmol/L
- Calculating transferrin saturation when iron and binding capacity are reported in different units
- Reading British, Scandinavian or Dutch case reports and papers
- Exam questions that mix conventional and SI units
When not to use it
- Ferritin — it is reported in ng/mL or µg/L (numerically identical) and needs no molar conversion
- Transferrin in g/L, which is a protein concentration, not an iron concentration
- As a stand-alone measure of iron stores; serum iron alone does not diagnose iron deficiency or overload
How it is calculated
Iron (µmol/L) = iron (µg/dL) × 0.1791
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- 1 µg/dL ≈ 0.179 µmol/L; 100 µg/dL ≈ 17.9 µmol/L.
- Serum iron shows marked diurnal and day-to-day variation and rises after iron-containing meals or supplements, so a single value is noisy.
- Haemolysed samples release red-cell iron and can falsely raise the result.
- Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, assay, age and sex; take them from the reporting laboratory, not from a converted value.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert iron from µg/dL to µmol/L?
Multiply by 0.1791. For example, 100 µg/dL × 0.1791 = 17.9 µmol/L and 60 µg/dL × 0.1791 = 10.7 µmol/L.
Where does the factor 0.1791 come from?
Iron has an atomic mass of 55.84 g/mol. 1 µg/dL is 10 µg/L, and 10 ÷ 55.84 = 0.1791 µmol/L.
Can I use this converter for ferritin?
No. Ferritin is a protein reported in ng/mL or µg/L, which are the same number; only the serum iron and iron-binding capacity are converted with this factor.
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/iron-ug-dl-to-umol-l">Iron 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.