A “gram” (g) is the basic unit of measurement of mass used in the metric system. “Nanograms” (ng) and “milligrams” (mg) are both units of grams. “Nano” means one-billionth. Therefore, a nanogram is a billionth of a gram. “Milli” means one-thousandth. Therefore a milligram is a thousandth of a gram. One milligram is equal to one million nanograms. The process of converting a nanogram amount to its equivalent milligram amount involves writing out and calculating a simple division equation.

Write down the nanogram amount.

Example: 16 ng

Write an equation that divides the nanogram amount by one million.

Example: 16 / 1,000,000 =

Calculate the equation. The result is the milligram equivalent of the nanogram amount.

Example: 16 / 1,000,000 = 0.000016

In this example, it is learned that 16 ng is equivalent to 0.000016 mg.