What equivalence ratios does this calculator use?

The approximate systemic anti-inflammatory reference 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. The source table is linked below the calculator.

Does this account for mineralocorticoid activity?

No. This calculator converts only anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) potency. Mineralocorticoid activity differs substantially — for example, hydrocortisone has significant mineralocorticoid effect while dexamethasone has essentially none. Consult clinical references when mineralocorticoid activity is clinically relevant.

Do equivalent milligrams mean the drugs are interchangeable?

No. These are approximate anti-inflammatory equivalents, not prescribing instructions. Route, dosing interval, duration of action, diagnosis, patient factors and mineralocorticoid effects can make a direct switch inappropriate.

Can I use this for topical or inhaled steroids?

No. This tool covers systemic corticosteroids only. Topical and inhaled steroids have entirely different potency scales and are not directly comparable using these ratios.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This is a reference aid only. Always verify doses against current prescribing information, consider the patient's clinical situation, and consult a pharmacist or prescriber before changing steroid therapy.

Steroid Equivalence Calculator

Enter a corticosteroid dose and convert it to equivalent doses of all other common steroids instantly.

Enter Corticosteroid Dose

Corticosteroid

Dose (mg)

Relative Potency Reference

Drug	Action	Equiv. (mg)

Enter a dose on the left to see equivalent amounts.

Summary

This calculator converts a dose of any common systemic corticosteroid into equivalent doses of the others using established anti-inflammatory potency ratios. It covers prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and triamcinolone. Results are for reference only — always confirm steroid conversions clinically before changing a patient's regimen.

How it works

Select the corticosteroid you are converting from.
Enter the dose in milligrams.
The calculator normalizes the dose to a common reference unit using established potency ratios.
Equivalent doses for all other listed corticosteroids are displayed instantly.
Review the relative potency table at the bottom for reference.

Use cases

Switching a patient from oral prednisone to IV methylprednisolone.
Calculating a dexamethasone equivalent when prednisone is unavailable.
Verifying steroid taper equivalence during a medication change.
Teaching clinical pharmacology — comparing potency across drug classes.
Converting hydrocortisone stress-dose regimens to oral prednisone.
Cross-checking steroid orders during formulary substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu