Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator
Convert between corticosteroid medications using standard potency equivalence tables. Calculate equivalent doses of prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone.
This free online corticosteroid conversion calculator provides instant results with no signup required. All calculations run directly in your browser — your data is never sent to a server. Enter your values below and see results update in real time as you type. Perfect for everyday calculations, homework, or professional use.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your input values
Fill in all required input fields for the Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system — metric or imperial, whichever matches your problem.
Review your inputs
Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors and can produce results that are off by factors of 2, 10, or more.
Read the results
The Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator instantly computes the output and displays results with units clearly labeled. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.
Explore parameter sensitivity
Try adjusting individual input values to see how the output changes. This is a quick and effective way to develop intuition about how different parameters influence the result and to identify which inputs have the largest effect.
Formula Reference
Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator Formula
See calculator inputs for the governing equation
Variables: All variables and their units are labeled in the calculator interface above. Input fields accept values in multiple unit systems — select your preferred unit from the dropdown next to each field.
When to Use This Calculator
- •Use the Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator for personal health tracking and wellness monitoring, establishing a baseline and tracking changes over time.
- •Use it when recording fitness metrics to track progress toward health or athletic goals.
- •Use it to compare measurements before and after a lifestyle, diet, or training change to quantify the impact.
- •Use it as a conversation starter before a doctor's appointment, bringing objective data to discuss with a healthcare professional.
About This Calculator
The Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator is a free health and wellness calculation tool designed for personal use and general informational purposes. Convert between corticosteroid medications using standard potency equivalence tables. Calculate equivalent doses of prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone. This calculator provides reference values based on established health screening formulas and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual factors not captured by the calculation. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized health guidance. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal health data is transmitted or stored.
About Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator
The Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator converts doses between commonly used glucocorticoids using standard equipotent ratios. Corticosteroids differ in anti-inflammatory potency, mineralocorticoid activity, duration of action, and biological half-life. When switching between steroids — for example, converting IV methylprednisolone to oral prednisone during hospital discharge, or calculating dexamethasone equivalence for protocol compliance — accurate dose conversion is essential to maintain therapeutic effect and avoid adrenal insufficiency or overdosing. This calculator uses prednisone as the reference standard (potency 1.0).
The Math Behind It
Formula Reference
Steroid Equivalence
Target Dose = (Current Dose × Current Potency) / Target Potency
Variables: Potency relative to prednisone: Pred=1, Methylpred=1.25, Dexa=6.67, HC=0.25
Worked Examples
Example 1: IV Methylpred to Oral Prednisone
Patient on IV methylprednisolone 32 mg, converting to oral prednisone
Methylprednisolone 32 mg IV = Prednisone 40 mg oral.
Example 2: Prednisone to Dexamethasone
Patient on prednisone 60 mg, converting to dexamethasone
Prednisone 60 mg = Dexamethasone 9 mg.
Common Mistakes & Tips
- !Forgetting that potency conversion applies only to anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) effect. Mineralocorticoid effects do not follow the same ratios.
- !Not accounting for different durations of action. Switching from dexamethasone (36-72h) to hydrocortisone (8-12h) requires more frequent dosing.
- !Applying these ratios to topical steroids, which have entirely different potency classifications based on vasoconstriction assays.
Related Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prednisone and prednisolone interchangeable?
In most patients, yes — prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver at approximately 1:1. However, in severe liver disease or liver failure, prednisolone is preferred because the hepatic conversion may be impaired.
Why is dexamethasone used in COVID-19 treatment?
Dexamethasone has the longest duration of action (36-72 hours), allowing once-daily dosing, and has no mineralocorticoid activity (avoiding fluid retention). The RECOVERY trial used 6 mg dexamethasone daily, equivalent to 40 mg prednisone.
When should steroids be tapered instead of stopped abruptly?
Tapering is needed after more than 2-3 weeks of supraphysiologic doses (>7.5 mg prednisone equivalent daily) to allow the suppressed adrenal glands to resume cortisol production. Abrupt discontinuation can cause adrenal crisis — a life-threatening emergency.