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Total protein in two units: the short answer
To convert total protein from g/dL to g/L, multiply by 10. To go back from g/L to g/dL, multiply by 0.1 (or divide by 10). For example, 7 g/dL × 10 = 70 g/L. The converter above works in both directions and shows where the result sits against typical reference ranges.
What the test measures
Total protein measures albumin plus globulins in serum. US labs report it in g/dL; most other countries in g/L. The conversion is simple scaling with no molar mass: 1 g/dL = 10 g/L.
Why the units differ
Total protein is part of liver panels and comprehensive metabolic panels worldwide. Subtracting albumin gives globulin, which helps flag conditions such as myeloma or chronic inflammation.
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 – g/dL or g/L.
- g/dL → g/L: multiply by 10.
- g/L → g/dL: multiply by 0.1.
- Round to the same number of decimals your lab uses.
Worked example in reverse: 55.0 g/L × 0.1 = 5.5 g/dL.
Total protein conversion chart
| g/dL | g/L |
|---|---|
| 4 | 40 |
| 5 | 50 |
| 5.5 | 55 |
| 6 | 60 |
| 6.5 | 65 |
| 7 | 70 |
| 7.5 | 75 |
| 8 | 80 |
| 8.5 | 85 |
| 9 | 90 |
| 10 | 100 |
| g/L | g/dL |
|---|---|
| 40 | 4 |
| 50 | 5 |
| 55 | 5.5 |
| 60 | 6 |
| 65 | 6.5 |
| 70 | 7 |
| 75 | 7.5 |
| 80 | 8 |
| 85 | 8.5 |
| 90 | 9 |
| 100 | 10 |
Total protein levels: what the numbers mean
| Category | g/dL | g/L |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 6 | < 60 |
| Typical adult range60–83 g/L; varies by lab | 6 – 8.3 | 60 – 83 |
| High | ≥ 8.3 | ≥ 83 |
Typical adult reference interval. Posture and dehydration change total protein slightly.
Typical adult reference interval. Posture and dehydration change total protein slightly.
Interpreting total protein results
A low total protein usually reflects low albumin – from liver disease, kidney protein loss, malnutrition or gut protein loss. A high total protein with normal albumin means globulins are up, which can happen with chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or a monoclonal protein; protein electrophoresis is the usual next test. Dehydration raises everything slightly, and a very lipemic sample can affect some methods.
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 70 g/L total protein in g/dL?
70 ÷ 10 = 7.0 g/dL.
How do I calculate globulin?
Globulin = total protein − albumin, in the same units. For example 7.2 g/dL − 4.2 g/dL = 3.0 g/dL. Our albumin converter handles albumin units.
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.