Iron µmol/L → µg/dL
Convert iron from µmol/L to µg/dL
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
Iron µmol/L → µg/dL
Convert iron from µmol/L to µg/dL
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the Iron µmol/L → µg/dL?
Serum iron is reported in µmol/L by many European laboratories and in µg/dL in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA. This converter divides by 0.1791 (equivalent to multiplying by about 5.58), the factor derived from the atomic mass of iron (55.84 g/mol) and listed in the AMA Manual of Style SI table. It is meant for serum iron and iron-binding capacity only.
When to use it
- Bringing a µmol/L serum iron from a UK or Scandinavian report into the µg/dL unit your laboratory uses
- Comparing results before and after a change of laboratory
- Reading US papers and textbooks that use µg/dL
- Checking a transferrin saturation calculated from mixed units
When not to use it
- Ferritin, which is reported in µg/L or ng/mL and is not converted
- Soluble transferrin receptor or transferrin, which are protein concentrations with their own units
- Interpreting iron status from serum iron alone without ferritin, transferrin saturation and the clinical context
How it is calculated
Iron (µg/dL) = iron (µmol/L) ÷ 0.1791
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- 1 µmol/L ≈ 5.58 µg/dL; 20 µmol/L ≈ 112 µg/dL.
- Round µg/dL to whole numbers; the analytical precision does not support decimals.
- Total and unsaturated iron-binding capacity are expressed as the amount of iron they could bind, so they convert with the same factor.
- Thresholds depend on the laboratory, assay and guideline used; do not transfer a cut-off from one unit system without checking the source.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert iron from µmol/L to µg/dL?
Divide by 0.1791. For example, 20 µmol/L ÷ 0.1791 = 112 µg/dL and 15 µmol/L ÷ 0.1791 = 84 µg/dL.
What is 1 µmol/L of iron in µg/dL?
About 5.58 µg/dL, because one micromole of iron weighs 55.84 µg and 1 L contains 10 dL.
Is serum iron the same as ferritin?
No. Serum iron is the transferrin-bound iron circulating at the moment of sampling; ferritin reflects iron stores and is a separate test with its own 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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