Convert radiation dose equivalents between Millirem (mrem) and Millisieverts (mSv)
Understanding mrem and mSv Radiation Units
In the field of health physics and radiation protection, measuring the biological effect of ionizing radiation is crucial. Two of the most common units used globally are the millirem (mrem) and the millisievert (mSv).
The millirem is a traditional unit used primarily in the United States. It is one-thousandth of a rem (Roentgen Equivalent Man). The millisievert is the International System of Units (SI) derived unit, used throughout the rest of the world and in scientific research. One millisievert is one-thousandth of a sievert (Sv).
The Conversion Formula
The conversion between these two units is straightforward because they both measure the same physical quantity (equivalent dose):
1 mSv = 100 mrem
1 mrem = 0.01 mSv
To convert mrem to mSv, you divide the value by 100. To convert mSv to mrem, you multiply the value by 100.
Common Radiation Dose Examples
Source of Exposure
Dose (mrem)
Dose (mSv)
Chest X-ray (single)
10 mrem
0.1 mSv
Mammogram
40 mrem
0.4 mSv
Annual background radiation (US average)
310 mrem
3.1 mSv
CT Scan (Abdomen)
1,000 mrem
10.0 mSv
Annual Limit for Radiation Workers (US)
5,000 mrem
50.0 mSv
Why Convert mrem to mSv?
Standardization is the primary reason for conversion. If you are comparing medical reports from different countries or reviewing safety guidelines from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), you will likely encounter mSv. Conversely, US regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) still frequently utilize mrem in their documentation. Using this calculator ensures accuracy when translating safety data across different regulatory frameworks.
function performConversion() {
var mremVal = document.getElementById("mremInput").value;
var msvVal = document.getElementById("msvInput").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("resultDisplay");
var resultText = document.getElementById("finalResult");
if (mremVal !== "") {
var mrem = parseFloat(mremVal);
if (isNaN(mrem)) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for mrem.");
return;
}
var msvResult = mrem / 100;
resultText.innerHTML = '' + mrem + ' mrem is equal to ' + msvResult.toFixed(4) + ' mSv';
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
} else if (msvVal !== "") {
var msv = parseFloat(msvVal);
if (isNaN(msv)) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for mSv.");
return;
}
var mremResult = msv * 100;
resultText.innerHTML = '' + msv + ' mSv is equal to ' + mremResult.toLocaleString() + ' mrem';
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
} else {
alert("Please enter a value in either field to convert.");
resultDiv.style.display = "none";
}
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById("mremInput").value = "";
document.getElementById("msvInput").value = "";
document.getElementById("resultDisplay").style.display = "none";
}