Understanding the Difference: Is 5 mL Equal to 5 mg?

Discover why 5 mL and 5 mg are not the same. Learn about volume, weight, and how density affects conversions.

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No, 5 mL is not equal to 5 mg. Milliliters (mL) measure volume, whereas milligrams (mg) measure weight. To convert between the two, you need the substance’s density. For example, water has a density of 1 g/mL, so 5 mL of water would equal 5000 mg (5 grams).

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the difference between milliliters and milligrams? Milliliters (mL) measure volume while milligrams (mg) measure weight. They cannot be directly converted without knowing the substance's density.
  2. How do I convert mL to mg? To convert mL to mg, multiply the volume in milliliters by the substance's density (in g/mL) and then convert grams to milligrams by multiplying by 1000.
  3. Can 5 mL be equal to 5 mg for any substance? 5 mL can only equal 5 mg for substances with a very low density of 0.001 g/mL. Common substances like water or oil do not fit this case.
  4. What is the density of water? The density of water is approximately 1 g/mL, meaning 5 mL of water equals 5000 mg or 5 grams.