mg/kg to PPB Calculator
Soil reports in mg/kg, trace analysis in PPB — multiply by 1,000 to move between them. 0.05 mg/kg of mercury becomes 50 PPB.
Calculator
mg/kg to PPB Calculator
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Soil reports in mg/kg, trace analysis in PPB — multiply by 1,000 to move between them. 0.05 mg/kg of mercury becomes 50 PPB.
How to use this calculator
- Enter mg/kg.
- Multiply by 1,000.
- Read PPB.
The formula
mg/kg = PPM (mass), and PPM → PPB is ×1,000.
What the units mean
mg/kg — milligrams per kilogram, a mass-basis concentration. Numerically identical to PPM on a mass basis; the unit soil and food laboratories report in.
PPB (parts per billion) — one part per billion parts. The standard unit for trace contaminants in drinking water and environmental samples.
Worked example
0.2 mg/kg cadmium in soil → 200 PPB.
Quick reference
| mg/kg | PPB |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 10 |
| 0.1 | 100 |
| 1 | 1,000 |
| 5 | 5,000 |
mg/kg × 1,000 = PPB (mass basis).
Where you will actually use this
Trace contaminant work in soils and foods often needs the finer PPB scale.
- Trace soil analysis
- Food safety testing
- Sediment studies
Mistakes that give wrong answers
- Forgetting the ×1,000 step
Key takeaways
- Formula: PPB = mg/kg × 1,000
- Remember: mg/kg × 1,000 = PPB (mass basis).
- Watch out for: Forgetting the ×1,000 step
- Next step: run your own numbers in the calculator above, then verify with a measurement — calculated values are only as good as the inputs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert mg/kg to PPB?
Multiply by 1,000.
What is 1 mg/kg in PPB?
1,000 PPB.