Bilirubin µmol/L → mg/dL
Convert total or direct bilirubin from µmol/L to mg/dL
Sources last checked: 2026-10-13
Bilirubin µmol/L → mg/dL
Convert total or direct bilirubin from µmol/L to mg/dL
Many scores (MELD, Child–Pugh) are defined in mg/dL; convert before entering European µmol/L values.
What is the Bilirubin µmol/L → mg/dL?
Bilirubin is reported in µmol/L in most of Europe and in mg/dL in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA. The AMA Manual of Style SI table gives 17.104 µmol/L per mg/dL, from bilirubin’s molar mass of 584.7 g/mol. Many liver scores, including MELD and Child–Pugh, are defined in mg/dL.
When to use it
- Entering European bilirubin values into MELD, Child–Pugh or other mg/dL-based scores
- Comparing neonatal or adult jaundice thresholds across sources
- Total or direct (conjugated) bilirubin
When not to use it
- Transcutaneous bilirubin readings, which are estimates with their own calibration
- Urine bilirubin reported as a dipstick result
How it is calculated
Bilirubin (mg/dL) = bilirubin (µmol/L) ÷ 17.104 (≈ ÷ 17.1)
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Many scores (MELD, Child–Pugh) are defined in mg/dL; convert before entering European µmol/L values.
- Quick check: µmol/L ÷ 17 ≈ mg/dL (34 µmol/L ≈ 2 mg/dL).
- Child–Pugh cut-offs of 2 and 3 mg/dL equal about 34 and 51 µmol/L.
- Visible jaundice usually appears above about 2.5–3 mg/dL (≈ 43–51 µmol/L).
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert bilirubin from µmol/L to mg/dL?
Divide by 17.104 (≈ 17.1). Example: 51 µmol/L ≈ 3.0 mg/dL.
What is 1 mg/dL bilirubin in µmol/L?
17.1 µmol/L.
Does the factor differ for direct bilirubin?
No — total and direct bilirubin use the same factor.
Evidence and guidelines
Have a follow-up question?
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/bilirubin-umol-l-to-mg-dl">Bilirubin µmol/L → mg/dL 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.