How to Compare Micrograms to Milligrams in Vitamins

Written by K.T. Parker

08 July, 2011

Fact Checked

Approximately 40 percent of all American adults reported using a multivitamin during 2003 to 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. A multivitamin combines the recommended dosages of several vitamins and minerals in one capsule for convenience. However, if you take individual supplements, you might need to know how to compare micrograms and milligrams to determine the proper vitamin dosage.

Micrograms and Milligrams

It is inaccurate to say that you can compare micrograms and milligrams because both are simply units of measure. However, you can convert one measurement to the other with the right formula. One milligram, abbreviated as mg, equals 1,000 micrograms, abbreviated as mcg, µg or ug. For example, if you look at a vitamin like folate, with an adult average daily requirement of 320 micrograms, as set by the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board, you would divide 320 by 1,000 to determine the required amount in milligrams. In this example, 320 micrograms of folate is equivalent to 0.32 milligrams of folate.

It is inaccurate to say that you can compare micrograms and milligrams because both are simply units of measure.
For example, if you look at a vitamin like folate, with an adult average daily requirement of 320 micrograms, as set by the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board, you would divide 320 by 1,000 to determine the required amount in milligrams.