88.4
μmol/L
1
mg/dL
88.4
μmol/L per mg/dL
88.4
μmol/L
1
mg/dL
88.4
μmol/L per mg/dL
The Creatinine Converter converts serum creatinine levels between mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and μmol/L (micromoles per liter). Creatinine is a key biomarker for kidney function, and its measurement is fundamental to diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease. Accurate unit conversion is essential when comparing results from laboratories that use different measurement systems.
Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism. It is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine at a relatively constant rate. When kidney function declines, creatinine builds up in the blood, making serum creatinine a reliable indicator of kidney health. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated from creatinine along with age, sex, and ethnicity, is the standard measure of kidney function.
The conversion factor for creatinine is 88.4: mg/dL x 88.4 = μmol/L. This is derived from the molecular weight of creatinine (C4H7N3O, molecular weight 113.12 g/mol). The US reports creatinine in mg/dL, while most other countries use μmol/L.
Normal serum creatinine ranges depend on age, sex, and muscle mass. General reference ranges are: Men: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL (62-115 μmol/L), Women: 0.6-1.1 mg/dL (53-97 μmol/L). Values above these ranges may indicate impaired kidney function, but creatinine must be interpreted in context — muscle mass, diet, hydration, medications, and other factors all influence levels.
This converter includes a reference range indicator: 1 = Within typical range (up to 1.2 mg/dL / 106 μmol/L), 2 = Mildly elevated (1.2-2.0 mg/dL / 106-177 μmol/L), 3 = Significantly elevated (above 2.0 mg/dL / 177 μmol/L). These are general ranges; interpretation requires clinical context. Always discuss creatinine results with your healthcare provider, especially in conjunction with eGFR and other kidney function markers.
The formula is: μmol/L = mg/dL x 88.4. The reverse: mg/dL = μmol/L / 88.4. The factor 88.4 derives from creatinine's molecular weight (113.12 g/mol) and unit conversions (10 dL/L, 10^6 μmol/mol): 10^6/113.12/10 = 88.4. Reference: 1 = Normal (≤1.2), 2 = Mild elevation (1.2-2.0), 3 = High (>2.0 mg/dL).
Normal creatinine varies by sex (men typically higher due to greater muscle mass), age, body composition, and diet. The reference range indicator uses general adult thresholds that apply broadly but are not gender-specific. Athletes and muscular individuals may have naturally higher creatinine without any kidney impairment. Elderly or low-muscle-mass individuals may have values that appear normal but actually represent reduced kidney function relative to their body size. For this reason, creatinine should always be interpreted in conjunction with eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate), which adjusts for age, sex, and race to provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function.
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Results
1.0 mg/dL = 88.4 μmol/L (Normal)
Inputs
Results
2.5 mg/dL = 221 μmol/L (Elevated)
Multiply the mg/dL value by 88.4. For example, 1.2 mg/dL x 88.4 = 106.1 μmol/L. For the reverse, divide μmol/L by 88.4.
Normal serum creatinine is approximately 0.7-1.3 mg/dL (62-115 μmol/L) for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL (53-97 μmol/L) for women. These ranges vary by laboratory and methodology.
Elevated creatinine suggests the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. Causes include chronic kidney disease, dehydration, high protein diet, intense exercise, certain medications, urinary obstruction, and heart failure. It requires medical evaluation.
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) estimates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute. It is calculated from serum creatinine, age, sex, and sometimes ethnicity using equations like CKD-EPI. Normal eGFR is above 90 mL/min/1.73m².
Low creatinine can indicate low muscle mass, malnutrition, or liver disease (since creatine is produced in the liver). Very low values (below 0.4 mg/dL or 35 μmol/L) warrant medical investigation.
Yes. High-protein diets, especially heavy meat consumption, can temporarily raise creatinine. Creatine supplements also increase creatinine. Conversely, vegetarian diets may result in lower creatinine. For accurate testing, maintain your normal diet.
Yes, the same factor (88.4) applies to urine creatinine. However, urine creatinine concentrations are much higher than serum levels and are used differently in clinical calculations (creatinine clearance).
Kidney health is assessed through multiple tests: serum creatinine, eGFR, urine albumin (protein), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and sometimes cystatin C. A single creatinine value alone is not sufficient for diagnosis.
Reference ranges depend on the analytical method, the population studied, and the laboratory's quality controls. Enzymatic vs Jaffe methods for creatinine measurement can give slightly different results. Always compare your results to the reference range printed on your specific lab report.
Yes. Certain medications raise creatinine without affecting kidney function: trimethoprim, cimetidine, and some HIV drugs block creatinine secretion in the kidney tubules. NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and some antibiotics can raise creatinine by actually affecting kidney function. Always inform your doctor about all medications.
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