g/L to mg/mL Converter (and mg/mL to g/L)

Convert grams per liter (g/L) to milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) and back in one step. Ideal for chemistry, biology, lab work, and solution preparation.

Grams per Liter ⇄ Milligrams per Milliliter

g/L = grams of solute per liter of solution.

Result in mg/mL: —

mg/mL = milligrams of solute per milliliter of solution.

Result in g/L: —

Conversion factors: 1 g/L = 0.001 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL = 1000 g/L.

g/L to mg/mL conversion formula

Both g/L (grams per liter) and mg/mL (milligrams per milliliter) describe mass per volume. Because 1 liter = 1000 milliliters and 1 gram = 1000 milligrams, the volume and mass factors cancel out differently, so the numbers are not the same.

From g/L to mg/mL

\[ \text{mg/mL} = \text{g/L} \times 0.001 \]

From mg/mL to g/L

\[ \text{g/L} = \text{mg/mL} \times 1000 \]

Why 1 g/L ≠ 1 mg/mL

Start from the definitions:

  • 1 g/L = 1 gram per 1 liter
  • 1 mg/mL = 1 milligram per 1 milliliter

Convert both to the same base units (mg and mL):

  • 1 g/L = 1000 mg / 1000 mL = 1 mg/mL × (1000 / 1,000,000) = 0.001 mg/mL
  • 1 mg/mL = 1 mg / 1 mL = 1000 mg / 1000 mL = 1000 g/L

So:

  • 1 g/L = 0.001 mg/mL
  • 1 mg/mL = 1000 g/L

Step‑by‑step examples

Example 1 – Convert 2.3 g/L to mg/mL

  1. Write the value: 2.3 g/L
  2. Use the formula: mg/mL = g/L × 0.001
  3. Compute: 2.3 × 0.001 = 0.0023 mg/mL

Answer: 2.3 g/L = 0.0023 mg/mL

Example 2 – Convert 0.75 mg/mL to g/L

  1. Write the value: 0.75 mg/mL
  2. Use the formula: g/L = mg/mL × 1000
  3. Compute: 0.75 × 1000 = 750 g/L

Answer: 0.75 mg/mL = 750 g/L

Quick reference table

Here are some common conversions between g/L and mg/mL:

g/L mg/mL
0.1 0.0001
1 0.001
5 0.005
10 0.01
50 0.05
100 0.1

Where are g/L and mg/mL used?

These units are common in:

  • Chemistry labs – concentrations of salts, buffers, standards
  • Biology & biochemistry – proteins, DNA, reagents
  • Clinical & pharmaceutical work – drug solutions, IV preparations
  • Environmental science – pollutants, nutrients in water

For very dilute solutions, g/L is often convenient. For more concentrated or small‑volume work, mg/mL is more natural.

FAQ

How do I convert g/L to mg/mL without a calculator?

Move the decimal point three places to the left:

  • 10 g/L → 0.010 mg/mL
  • 1 g/L → 0.001 mg/mL
  • 0.5 g/L → 0.0005 mg/mL

How do I convert mg/mL to g/L in my head?

Move the decimal point three places to the right:

  • 0.001 mg/mL → 1 g/L
  • 0.01 mg/mL → 10 g/L
  • 0.25 mg/mL → 250 g/L

Are these density units?

They are concentration units (mass of solute per volume of solution), not pure density of a single substance. However, mathematically they behave like density units and can be converted the same way.