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Chloride (Cl) Unit Converter
Chloride (Cl⁻) is the major extracellular anion in the human body. It works closely with sodium to maintain fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base homeostasis. Chloride levels often mirror sodium levels but can change independently in acid-base disturbances.
Clinically, serum chloride is measured as part of the electrolyte panel to calculate the Anion Gap. Hypochloremia (low chloride) is commonly caused by metabolic alkalosis (e.g., vomiting, diuretics) or hyponatremia. Hyperchloremia (high chloride) often accompanies metabolic acidosis (e.g., diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis) or hypernatremia. This converter facilitates accurate switching between the standard molar/equivalent units (mmol/L, mEq/L) and mass-based units (mg/dL).
SI / Standard
RecommendedMillimoles or Milliequivalents per liter.
Mass Units
Clinical Context
Reference Range: In healthy adults, serum chloride typically ranges from 96 – 106 mmol/L (mEq/L).
Chloride levels are essential for interpreting acid-base disorders. For example, in metabolic alkalosis, urinary chloride helps distinguish between saline-responsive (low urine Cl) and saline-resistant (high urine Cl) causes. The conversion factor is based on MW 35.45 g/mol: 1 mmol/L ≈ 3.55 mg/dL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mmol/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like mg/dL) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. Note that mmol/L and mEq/L are identical for Chloride.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes. Because chloride has a valency of -1 ($Cl^{-}$), one millimole equals one milliequivalent.
While rarely used clinically for chloride, mass units are sometimes required for specific research calculations or nutritional assessments.