Steroid Conversion Calculator
Convert a dose of one corticosteroid into the equivalent anti-inflammatory dose of the others. Pick the steroid you are converting from, enter the dose, and see the equivalent dose of prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and the rest. Equivalence is by glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) potency only — it does not match mineralocorticoid effect or duration of action.
About corticosteroid equivalence
Glucocorticoid equivalence lets you switch between corticosteroids at a comparable anti-inflammatory strength, but it does not capture mineralocorticoid activity or how long each drug acts — both of which usually have to change the regimen too. Source: standard glucocorticoid equivalency tables (Endotext, NCBI Bookshelf; Williams DM, Respiratory Care 2018).
Frequently asked questions
How does steroid dose conversion work?
Corticosteroids are compared by their anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) potency. Standard equivalent doses are: hydrocortisone 20 mg = cortisone 25 mg = prednisone 5 mg = prednisolone 5 mg = methylprednisolone 4 mg = triamcinolone 4 mg = dexamethasone 0.75 mg = betamethasone 0.6 mg. To convert, the calculator scales your dose by the ratio of the two equivalent doses. For example, 40 mg of prednisone equals 40 × (0.75 ÷ 5) = 6 mg of dexamethasone.
What the conversion does not account for
These equivalents match only the anti-inflammatory effect. They do not match mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) activity — hydrocortisone and cortisone have the most, dexamethasone and betamethasone essentially none — so they are not a guide for physiologic replacement in adrenal insufficiency. They also do not match duration of action: hydrocortisone is short-acting, prednisone and methylprednisolone intermediate, and dexamethasone and betamethasone long-acting, which changes how often a dose is given.
Which steroids are long- versus short-acting?
Short-acting (about 8–12 hours): hydrocortisone and cortisone. Intermediate (about 12–36 hours): prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone and triamcinolone. Long-acting (about 36–72 hours): dexamethasone and betamethasone. Because a long-acting steroid lasts longer, an equivalent single dose is not the same as an equivalent daily regimen — the dosing schedule usually has to change too.
Is oral the same as intravenous?
For prednisolone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone and dexamethasone the oral and intravenous doses are generally taken as roughly equivalent in potency, but bioavailability and local guidance vary. Prednisone is a prodrug converted to prednisolone in the liver. This calculator gives equivalent amounts of drug, not route-specific advice.
Can I use this to taper or replace steroids?
It can show the equivalent strength when switching agents, but tapering, stress dosing and replacement in adrenal insufficiency depend on the indication, treatment duration and mineralocorticoid needs, not on anti-inflammatory equivalence alone. This calculator is an educational reference, not medical advice — confirm any change with the prescriber.
This is a reference tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Results depend on the laboratory, assay and clinical context, and reference intervals vary between labs and by age and sex — always read your result against the range printed on your own report and discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
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