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Apolipoprotein B in two units: the short answer
To convert apolipoprotein b from mg/dL to g/L, multiply by 0.01. To go back from g/L to mg/dL, multiply by 100 (or divide by 0.01). For example, 100 mg/dL × 0.01 = 1.00 g/L. The converter above works in both directions and shows where the result sits against typical reference ranges.
What the test measures
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) counts the atherogenic particles carrying cholesterol – one ApoB molecule per LDL, VLDL or Lp(a) particle. US labs report it in mg/dL and many European labs in g/L. It's a pure scaling conversion: 1 mg/dL = 0.01 g/L.
Why the units differ
ESC/EAS guidelines give ApoB targets in mg/dL and g/L side by side, and ACC/AHA treat ApoB of 130 mg/dL or higher as a risk-enhancing factor. Converting lets you place your result against either guideline.
Where the factor comes from
The conversion factor comes from the molar mass (n/a (mass units)) and the volume units on each side. Laboratories may round the factor slightly differently, which can change the last digit but never the clinical meaning.
How to convert step by step
- Check the unit printed next to the result on your report – mg/dL or g/L.
- mg/dL → g/L: multiply by 0.01.
- g/L → mg/dL: multiply by 100.
- Round to the same number of decimals your lab uses.
Worked example in reverse: 0.7 g/L × 100 = 70.0 mg/dL.
Apolipoprotein B conversion chart
| mg/dL | g/L |
|---|---|
| 50 | 0.5 |
| 60 | 0.6 |
| 70 | 0.7 |
| 80 | 0.8 |
| 90 | 0.9 |
| 100 | 1 |
| 110 | 1.1 |
| 130 | 1.3 |
| 150 | 1.5 |
| 180 | 1.8 |
| g/L | mg/dL |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 50 |
| 0.6 | 60 |
| 0.7 | 70 |
| 0.8 | 80 |
| 0.9 | 90 |
| 1 | 100 |
| 1.1 | 110 |
| 1.3 | 130 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 1.8 | 180 |
Apolipoprotein B levels: what the numbers mean
| Category | mg/dL | g/L |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-enhancing (ACC/AHA)≥1.3 g/L | ≥ 130 | ≥ 1.3 |
Personal ApoB targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk, set by your clinician. Labs print their own reference ranges.
Personal ApoB targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk, set by your clinician. Labs print their own reference ranges.
Interpreting apolipoprotein b results
Because each atherogenic lipoprotein carries one ApoB, the ApoB number reflects how many particles can enter artery walls. When LDL particles are small and cholesterol-poor – common with insulin resistance – LDL-C can underestimate risk while ApoB stays high. ApoB doesn't need fasting. It is used alongside, not instead of, the standard lipid panel.
A single result outside the reference range is common and often not significant on its own. Reference ranges are set so that about 1 in 20 healthy people fall outside them, and every laboratory sets its own limits for its method. Use the range printed on your report and discuss results with the clinician who ordered the test.
When to see a doctor
Contact your clinician if a result is flagged as abnormal and you have symptoms, if a value is far outside the range, or if results are changing over time. This page explains units; it cannot diagnose or replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is 0.9 g/L ApoB in mg/dL?
0.9 × 100 = 90 mg/dL.
Is ApoB better than LDL cholesterol?
ApoB counts particles, so it can reveal risk when LDL-C looks fine – for example with high triglycerides, diabetes or obesity. Many guidelines now suggest it as an extra measure in those groups.
Can I use this converter for any lab?
Yes for the unit conversion, which is fixed by chemistry. Reference ranges differ between labs and methods, so compare your converted value with your own lab's range.