Why do nurses need to convert pounds to kilograms?

Drug dosages are calculated based on body weight in kilograms (e.g., mg/kg). Since many patients in the US know their weight in pounds, nurses must convert to kilograms for accurate medication dosing. Divide pounds by 2.2 to get kilograms.

How do you convert Celsius to Fahrenheit for body temperature?

Multiply Celsius by 1.8 and add 32. Normal body temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F. A fever is generally considered 38°C (100.4°F) or above. Many hospitals use Celsius, but patients often think in Fahrenheit.

What is the most common conversion nurses use daily?

The most common conversions in nursing are: pounds to kilograms (for drug dosing), milliliters to other volume units (for IV drip rates), Celsius to Fahrenheit (for temperature), and milligrams to micrograms (for medication strengths).

Unit Conversions for Nurses & Healthcare

Medical Disclaimer: The reference values on this page are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for clinical decisions.

Accurate unit conversion is critical in healthcare. From calculating weight-based drug dosages to interpreting lab results, nurses rely on precise conversions every shift. This page gathers the most essential tools and reference tables for clinical work.

Most Used Conversions

Weight Converter

lbs to kg for dosing

Temperature Converter

°C to °F for vitals

Volume Converter

mL, cc, and fluid ounces

KG to LBS

Quick weight conversion

Celsius to Fahrenheit

Body temperature

Pounds to Kilograms

Patient weight dosing

BMI Calculator

Body mass index

Length Converter

cm, inches, height

Centimeters to Inches

Height conversion

Feet to Meters

Patient height

Quick Reference: Weight for Drug Dosing

Pounds (lbs)	Kilograms (kg)	Patient Type
8	3.6	Newborn
22	10	Infant
44	20	Toddler
66	30	Child
110	50	Adolescent
154	70	Average adult
220	100	Large adult

Formula: kg = lbs ÷ 2.2046. Always verify with a calculator for actual patient dosing.

Quick Reference: Body Temperature

Celsius	Fahrenheit	Clinical Significance
35.0°C	95.0°F	Hypothermia threshold
36.5°C	97.7°F	Normal low
37.0°C	98.6°F	Normal
37.5°C	99.5°F	Low-grade
38.0°C	100.4°F	Fever threshold
39.0°C	102.2°F	High fever
40.0°C	104.0°F	Dangerous fever