Steroid Conversion Calculator

What is Corticosteroid Equivalence?

Corticosteroids are synthetic steroid hormones widely prescribed for their potent anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and metabolic effects. Different steroid formulations vary significantly in their glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) potency, mineralocorticoid (sodium and fluid retention) activity, and biological duration of action.

When switching a patient between oral, intravenous, or different chemical preparations of corticosteroids, clinicians must convert doses using established equivalent anti-inflammatory potencies to prevent under-treatment or steroid toxicity.

Steroid Potency and Equivalence Reference Table

Equivalent anti-inflammatory potencies are standardized relative to oral hydrocortisone (cortisol = 20 mg):

• Hydrocortisone: 20 mg equivalent | 1× glucocorticoid potency | Short-acting (8–12 hrs)
• Cortisone: 25 mg equivalent | 0.8× glucocorticoid potency | Short-acting (8–12 hrs)
• Prednisone: 5 mg equivalent | 4× glucocorticoid potency | Intermediate-acting (12–36 hrs)
• Prednisolone: 5 mg equivalent | 4× glucocorticoid potency | Intermediate-acting (12–36 hrs)
• Methylprednisolone: 4 mg equivalent | 5× glucocorticoid potency | Intermediate-acting (12–36 hrs)
• Triamcinolone: 4 mg equivalent | 5× glucocorticoid potency | Intermediate-acting (12–36 hrs)
• Dexamethasone: 0.75 mg equivalent | 26.7× glucocorticoid potency | Long-acting (36–72 hrs)
• Betamethasone: 0.6 mg equivalent | 33.3× glucocorticoid potency | Long-acting (36–72 hrs)

How to Calculate Steroid Conversions

To convert between two corticosteroids, use the ratio of their equivalent anti-inflammatory doses:

$$\text{Target Dose (mg)} = \text{Source Dose (mg)} \times \frac{\text{Target Standard Equivalent Dose (mg)}}{\text{Source Standard Equivalent Dose (mg)}}$$

Example: Converting \(20\text{ mg}\) of prednisone to dexamethasone: $$\text{Dexamethasone Dose} = 20\text{ mg} \times \frac{0.75\text{ mg}}{5\text{ mg}} = 3.0\text{ mg}$$

For related calculations and tools, see our Fresh to Dry Herb Conversion Calculator, Benzodiazepine Conversion Calculator, and Opioid Conversion Calculator.