Blood Glucose Unit Converter
Instantly convert blood glucose readings between mg/dL and mmol/L. Includes ADA target ranges in both units and a full reference table.
🔄 mg/dL ↔ mmol/L Converter
Reference Table — Common BG Values
| mg/dL | mmol/L | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 3.0 | Severe hypoglycemia threshold (ADA) |
| 70 | 3.9 | Hypoglycemia alert level — treat immediately |
| 80 | 4.4 | ADA fasting target (lower bound) |
| 100 | 5.6 | Typical pre-meal target |
| 130 | 7.2 | ADA pre-meal target (upper bound) |
| 140 | 7.8 | ADA 1-hr post-meal target (upper bound) |
| 180 | 10.0 | ADA 2-hr post-meal target (upper bound) |
| 250 | 13.9 | Moderate hyperglycemia — consider correction |
| 300 | 16.7 | Check ketones — DKA risk, seek guidance |
ADA Blood Glucose Targets (2024)
| Target | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting / pre-meal | 80–130 | 4.4–7.2 |
| 1-hour post-meal | < 140 | < 7.8 |
| 2-hour post-meal | < 180 | < 10.0 |
| Hypoglycemia alert | < 70 | < 3.9 |
| Severe hypoglycemia | < 54 | < 3.0 |
| Pregnancy fasting | < 95 | < 5.3 |
| Pregnancy 1-hr post-meal | < 140 | < 7.8 |
Source: ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2024.
Conversion Formula
The factor 18.016 is the molecular weight of glucose (180.16 g/mol) divided by 10. Often rounded to 18 for quick mental math.
Which Countries Use mg/dL vs mmol/L?
The same blood glucose reading is written two ways depending on where you are. mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre) is standard in the United States, and also common across much of Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, and parts of Europe. mmol/L (millimoles per litre) is the SI unit used in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, and most of Europe.
The numbers look very different — 180 mg/dL and 10.0 mmol/L are the same glucose level — which is why travellers, people using a meter bought abroad, and anyone reading research from another country need a quick conversion. The relationship is fixed, so this converter is exact, not an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert mg/dL to mmol/L?
Divide the mg/dL value by 18.016 (often rounded to 18). For example, 180 mg/dL ÷ 18 = 10.0 mmol/L. To go the other way, multiply the mmol/L value by 18.016.
What is 180 mg/dL in mmol/L?
180 mg/dL equals 10.0 mmol/L. This is the ADA's upper target for 2-hour post-meal glucose in most non-pregnant adults.
Why are there two units for blood glucose?
mg/dL measures the mass of glucose per decilitre and is used mainly in the United States; mmol/L measures the number of glucose molecules per litre and is the SI unit used across most of the world. Both describe the identical glucose level.
Is the mg/dL to mmol/L conversion exact?
Yes. Unlike A1c-to-glucose estimates, this is a fixed mathematical relationship based on the molecular weight of glucose (180.16 g/mol), so the result is exact.
Last reviewed: June 2025 · ADA Standards of Care 2024