Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator
- Hydrocortisone —
- Cortisone —
- Prednisone —
- Prednisolone —
- Methylprednisolone —
- Triamcinolone —
- Dexamethasone —
- Betamethasone —
What is Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator
The corticosteroid conversion calculator converts a glucocorticoid dose from one agent to the equipotent dose of the others, based on their relative anti-inflammatory potency. Enter a dose and the starting steroid, and it shows the equivalent dose of hydrocortisone, cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone and betamethasone. The equivalences reflect glucocorticoid effect only.
How to use
- Enter the dose in milligrams.
- Select the steroid you are converting from.
- Read the equipotent dose of every other steroid in the list.
- The source steroid is highlighted so you can check the input at a glance.
When to use it
Switching a patient from IV methylprednisolone to oral prednisone and want to keep the anti-inflammatory effect steady? Enter 40 mg of prednisone and you see it equals about 6 mg of dexamethasone or 8 mg of methylprednisolone, so you can pick the equivalent dose without reaching for a reference chart. It is handy for tapers, formulary switches and step-downs.
Frequently asked questions
What potency values does it use?
It uses the standard anti-inflammatory equivalents, where 20 mg hydrocortisone, 25 mg cortisone, 5 mg prednisone or prednisolone, 4 mg methylprednisolone or triamcinolone, 0.75 mg dexamethasone and 0.6 mg betamethasone are considered equipotent.
Does this account for mineralocorticoid effect or duration?
No. The conversion is glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) potency only. It does not reflect salt-retaining (mineralocorticoid) activity or duration of action, which differ markedly between agents.
Can I use this for adrenal replacement dosing?
No. These are anti-inflammatory equivalents, not physiological replacement doses. Adrenal insufficiency is dosed differently, so do not use this tool to convert replacement regimens.
Can I share this tool with my inputs pre-filled?
Yes. The URL updates automatically as you change values. Copy it from the address bar or use the Copy link button, and anyone who opens the link will see your exact inputs ready to go.
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