MyReconGuide
Micrograms & Syringe Units
Some protocols list doses in micrograms (mcg) instead of milligrams, or ask you to read an insulin syringe in "units." Here is how that math works.
Understanding the Units
Micrograms (mcg)
The smaller unit some protocols use for dosage instead of milligrams. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.
Syringe Units
The tick marks on an insulin syringe. On a standard 1 mL insulin syringe, 1 mL = 100 Units.
The 1-to-1 Rule (The Easiest Method)
If you want simple math without a calculator, follow the 1-to-1 rule. Match the amount of water (in mL) to the amount of peptide (in mg), and every single "Unit" on your syringe equals exactly 100mcg.
Example 1: 5mg Vial
Add 0.5 mL (50 units) of BAC water.
Result: 1 Unit = 100 mcg
Example 2: 10mg Vial
Add 1.0 mL (100 units) of BAC water.
Result: 1 Unit = 100 mcg
Note: Only use this rule if your desired dose is in increments of 100mcg (e.g., 200mcg = 2 units, 500mcg = 5 units). If your target dose is very large (e.g., 2.5mg), you may need to add more water to make the injection comfortable.
Converting mg to mcg to Units
If you use a different amount of water, or your dose is not a clean multiple of the 1-to-1 rule, use this formula:
(Desired Dose in mcg ÷ Total mcg in Vial) × 100
Step-by-step example:
- You have a 10mg vial of Tirzepatide (10,000 mcg).
- You add 2mL of BAC water (200 units on the syringe).
- Calculate Concentration: 10,000mcg / 200 units = 50 mcg per unit.
- Your desired dose is 250mcg.
- Calculate Units: 250mcg ÷ 50 mcg/unit = 5 Units.
Visualizing the Syringe
The most common mistake is confusing "ticks" (the lines) with "units."
1 mL (100 Unit) Syringe
- • Total volume: 1.0 mL
- • Major numbers are marked every 10 units (10, 20, 30...)
- • On most 1mL syringes, each tiny tick mark represents 2 units. Always double-check!
0.5 mL (50 Unit) Syringe
- • Total volume: 0.5 mL
- • Major numbers are marked every 5 or 10 units.
- • Because it's thinner, each tiny tick mark usually represents 1 unit, making it better for precise micro-dosing.