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Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator

Convert between corticosteroids using standard potency equivalence tables — prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone.

Reviewed by Christopher FloiedPublished Updated

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.

Results

Prednisone Equivalent

40 mg

Target Steroid Dose

6 mg

How to Use This Calculator

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

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 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

Corticosteroids are synthetic analogues of cortisol that suppress inflammation and immune responses. They differ in relative glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) and mineralocorticoid (sodium-retaining) potency. **Equivalence table (relative to prednisone 5 mg)**: | Drug | Equivalent Dose | GC Potency | MC Potency | Half-Life | |------|----------------|-----------|-----------|----------| | Hydrocortisone | 20 mg | 1 | 1 | 8-12 h | | Prednisone | 5 mg | 4 | 0.8 | 12-36 h | | Prednisolone | 5 mg | 4 | 0.8 | 12-36 h | | Methylprednisolone | 4 mg | 5 | 0.5 | 12-36 h | | Dexamethasone | 0.75 mg | 25-30 | 0 | 36-72 h | | Betamethasone | 0.75 mg | 25-30 | 0 | 36-72 h | The potency ratios in this calculator express how many mg of prednisone-equivalent each mg of drug provides. Higher potency drugs require smaller doses. **Clinical considerations when converting**: - **Duration of action**: Short-acting (hydrocortisone) vs. long-acting (dexamethasone) affects dosing frequency. - **Mineralocorticoid effects**: Hydrocortisone has significant sodium retention; dexamethasone has essentially none. This matters in fluid-sensitive conditions. - **Prednisone vs. prednisolone**: Prednisone is a prodrug converted to prednisolone in the liver. In severe liver disease, prednisolone may be preferred. - **Adrenal suppression**: Steroid courses >2-3 weeks at supraphysiologic doses (>7.5 mg prednisone/day) suppress the HPA axis, requiring gradual tapering. **Physiologic replacement**: The body produces approximately 5-7 mg of cortisol daily, equivalent to 5 mg prednisone or 20 mg hydrocortisone.

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

Step 1:Prednisone equivalent = 32 × 1.25 = 40 mg
Step 2:Target dose: 40 / 1.0 = 40 mg prednisone

Methylprednisolone 32 mg IV = Prednisone 40 mg oral.

Example 2: Prednisone to Dexamethasone

Patient on prednisone 60 mg, converting to dexamethasone

Step 1:Prednisone equivalent: 60 × 1.0 = 60 mg
Step 2:Dexamethasone dose: 60 / 6.67 = 9.0 mg

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

Drug Dosage Calculator

Weight-based steroid dosing for pediatric or critical care use.

Opioid Conversion Calculator

Similar equianalgesic concept applied to pain medications.

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.