Peptide Dosage Calculator: How to Calculate Your Exact Dose (By Compound)
Master peptide dosage calculations with our complete guide. Includes the universal formula, pre-calculated dose tables for BPC-157, TB-500, HGH, Semaglutide, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin, plus IU-to-mcg conversions.
Novo Pharma Research Team
Novo Pharma Research · peer-reviewed literature synthesis
Peptide Dosage Calculator: How to Calculate Your Exact Dose (By Compound)
The Universal Peptide Dosage Formula
Every peptide dose calculation uses the same two-step formula. Learn this and you can dose any peptide, any concentration, any time.
Step 1: Determine Your Concentration
When you add bacteriostatic water (BAC water) to a lyophilized peptide vial, you create a solution with a specific concentration.
Concentration Formula:
(Amount of peptide in vial in mg × 1000) ÷ Volume of BAC water added in mL = Concentration in mcg per mL
Example: You have a 5mg vial of BPC-157 and add 2mL of BAC water.
(5mg × 1000) ÷ 2mL = 2,500 mcg/mL
Your solution concentration is 2,500 mcg per mL.
Step 2: Calculate Your Injection Volume
Now that you know the concentration, calculate how much to draw into your insulin syringe.
Dose Formula:
Desired dose in mcg ÷ Concentration in mcg per mL = Volume to inject in mL
Example: You want to inject 250mcg of BPC-157 from your 2,500 mcg/mL solution.
250mcg ÷ 2,500 mcg/mL = 0.10 mL
You draw 0.10 mL (which is 10 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe).
Converting mL to Syringe Units
Standard insulin syringes are U-100 (100 units per 1 mL):
- 0.01 mL = 1 unit
- 0.05 mL = 5 units
- 0.10 mL = 10 units
- 0.25 mL = 25 units
- 0.50 mL = 50 units
- 1.00 mL = 100 units
Quick mental shortcut: Multiply your mL result by 100 to get units on the syringe.
0.10 mL × 100 = 10 units on the syringe
The Combined One-Step Formula
For those who prefer a single calculation:
(Desired dose in mcg ÷ Concentration in mcg/mL) × 100 = Units on insulin syringe
Or equivalently:
(Desired dose in mcg × Volume of BAC water in mL) ÷ (Total peptide in vial in mcg) × 100 = Units on syringe
Example: 250mcg dose from a 5mg vial reconstituted with 2mL BAC water:
(250 × 2) ÷ 5000 × 100 = 500 ÷ 5000 × 100 = 0.10 × 100 = 10 units
Pre-Calculated Dosing Tables: Most Common Peptides
These tables eliminate the math for the most popular reconstitution setups. Find your peptide, your vial size, your chosen BAC water volume, and your desired dose — the syringe units are calculated for you.
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)
Most common setup: 5mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 150 mcg | 0.06 mL | 6 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 250 mcg (standard) | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units |
| 500 mcg (2x daily protocol) | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
Typical protocol: 250-500mcg per day, split into 1-2 injections. Inject subcutaneously as close to the injury site as practical. Cycle: 4-8 weeks.
Alternative setup: 5mg vial + 1mL BAC water = 5,000 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
[Internal Link: /bpc-157/]
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Most common setup: 5mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
| 750 mcg | 0.30 mL | 30 units |
| 1,000 mcg (1mg) | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 2,000 mcg (2mg) | 0.80 mL | 80 units |
| 2,500 mcg (2.5mg — loading) | 1.00 mL | 100 units (full syringe) |
Typical protocol: Loading phase: 2-2.5mg twice weekly for 4-6 weeks. Maintenance: 2-2.5mg once weekly. Inject subcutaneously anywhere (TB-500 is systemic, not site-specific).
Note: At 2.5mg doses with 2mL reconstitution, you use the entire syringe per dose. Some users prefer reconstituting with 1mL BAC water for more concentrated solution and smaller injection volumes.
Alternative setup: 5mg vial + 1mL BAC water = 5,000 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 mcg (2mg) | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 2,500 mcg (2.5mg) | 0.50 mL | 50 units |
[Internal Link: /tb-500/]
HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
HGH uses International Units (IU) rather than micrograms for dosing, which creates confusion. Here is the conversion:
1 IU of HGH = approximately 333 mcg (0.333mg)
Most common setup: 10 IU vial + 1mL BAC water
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IU | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 2 IU | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
| 3 IU | 0.30 mL | 30 units |
| 4 IU | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 5 IU | 0.50 mL | 50 units |
Alternative setup: 10 IU vial + 2mL BAC water
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 2 IU | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 3 IU | 0.60 mL | 60 units |
| 4 IU | 0.80 mL | 80 units |
Typical protocol: Fat loss: 2-3 IU daily. Anti-aging/recovery: 1-2 IU daily. Bodybuilding: 4-6+ IU daily (split AM/PM). Inject subcutaneously in abdominal fat.
Important: HGH IU are NOT the same as "units" on your insulin syringe. 2 IU of HGH drawn from a 10IU/1mL solution = 20 units on the syringe. The syringe units measure volume, not biological activity.
[Internal Link: /hgh-human-growth-hormone/]
Semaglutide (GLP-1 Agonist)
Most common setup: 5mg vial + 2.5mL BAC water = 2,000 mcg/mL (2mg/mL)
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 125 mcg (0.125mg — starting) | 0.0625 mL | 6.25 units (~6 units) |
| 250 mcg (0.25mg — week 1-4) | 0.125 mL | 12.5 units (~12-13 units) |
| 500 mcg (0.5mg — week 5-8) | 0.25 mL | 25 units |
| 1,000 mcg (1.0mg — week 9-12) | 0.50 mL | 50 units |
| 1,700 mcg (1.7mg — week 13-16) | 0.85 mL | 85 units |
| 2,400 mcg (2.4mg — maximum) | 1.20 mL | Need larger syringe or split |
Typical protocol: Start at 0.25mg once weekly. Increase by 0.25mg every 4 weeks as tolerated. Maximum 2.4mg weekly. Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Same day each week.
Alternative setup: 5mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
| 1,000 mcg | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 2,000 mcg | 0.80 mL | 80 units |
[Internal Link: /semaglutide/]
CJC-1295 (with or without DAC)
Most common setup: 2mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 1,000 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 100 mcg (standard no-DAC) | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 150 mcg | 0.15 mL | 15 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
| 1,000 mcg (1mg — DAC version weekly) | 1.00 mL | 100 units |
Typical protocol (no-DAC/Mod GRF 1-29): 100mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily (usually combined with Ipamorelin or GHRP-6). Best times: morning fasted, post-workout, before bed.
Typical protocol (with DAC): 1,000-2,000mcg once weekly. Produces GH bleed (steady elevation) rather than pulsatile release.
[Internal Link: /cjc-1295/]
Ipamorelin
Most common setup: 5mg vial + 2.5mL BAC water = 2,000 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 150 mcg | 0.075 mL | 7.5 units (~7-8 units) |
| 200 mcg (standard) | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 300 mcg (aggressive) | 0.15 mL | 15 units |
Alternative setup: 5mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL
| Desired Dose | Volume (mL) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 250 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units |
Typical protocol: 200-300mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily. Usually stacked with CJC-1295 (no-DAC) at 100mcg for synergistic GH release. Best combined with fasted states (no food 1 hour before or after). Inject subcutaneously.
[Internal Link: /ipamorelin/]
Understanding IU vs. Units vs. mcg: Clearing the Confusion
This is where most beginners get lost. There are three different "unit" measurements in play:
International Units (IU) — Biological Activity
- Used for HGH and insulin
- Measures biological potency, not weight
- For HGH: 1 IU ≈ 333 mcg (0.333mg)
- For insulin: 1 IU = the amount needed to lower blood glucose by a specific amount
- These are standardized by the WHO
Micrograms (mcg) — Weight
- Used for most peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, Semaglutide, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin)
- 1 mg = 1,000 mcg
- This is an absolute weight measurement
- What you calculate your dose in
Syringe Units — Volume
- The markings on your insulin syringe
- On a U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL
- Each "unit" on the syringe = 0.01 mL
- This measures how much liquid you draw, NOT how much peptide
- The peptide content per unit depends entirely on your reconstitution concentration
The Critical Distinction
When someone says "inject 2 IU of HGH," they mean 2 International Units of biological activity. When your syringe shows "20 units," it means 0.20 mL of liquid. These are completely different measurements that happen to share the word "unit."
Example that illustrates the difference:
- 10 IU HGH vial reconstituted with 1mL BAC water: 2 IU of HGH = 20 syringe units
- Same 10 IU HGH vial reconstituted with 0.5mL BAC water: 2 IU of HGH = 10 syringe units
- The biological dose (2 IU) is identical. The volume drawn into the syringe changes based on concentration.
Reconstitution Best Practices
Getting the math right means nothing if you reconstitute incorrectly. Follow these steps:
Equipment Needed
- Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl)
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — NOT sterile water (which has no preservative and cannot be used across multiple draws)
- Insulin syringes (U-100, 29-31 gauge, 0.5mL or 1mL)
- Your lyophilized peptide vial
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
- Clean both vial tops with alcohol swabs. Let dry.
- Draw your chosen volume of BAC water into a syringe (e.g., 2mL for a standard reconstitution).
- Insert needle into peptide vial at an angle, with the tip against the glass wall.
- Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial. Never spray directly onto the powder — this can damage the peptide structure.
- Do NOT shake. Gently swirl the vial or let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The peptide should dissolve into a clear solution. If it remains cloudy after 30 minutes, something is wrong.
- Label the vial with: peptide name, concentration (mcg/mL), reconstitution date, and expiration date (typically 28-30 days refrigerated for BAC water reconstituted peptides).
- Store in the refrigerator (2-8°C / 36-46°F). Protect from light.
How Much BAC Water to Add?
There is no universally "correct" amount. You choose based on:
- Smaller volume (1-1.5mL): More concentrated solution. Smaller injection volume. Fewer units drawn per dose. Better when your dose is large (e.g., 2.5mg TB-500).
- Larger volume (2-3mL): Less concentrated. Larger injection volume. Easier to measure precisely with small doses. Better when your dose is small (e.g., 100mcg Ipamorelin).
Rule of thumb: Choose a reconstitution volume that puts your standard dose somewhere between 5 and 50 units on the syringe. Below 5 units is difficult to measure accurately. Above 50 units means large injection volumes.
[Internal Link: /bacteriostatic-water/] [Internal Link: /insulin-syringes/]
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Confusing HGH IU with Syringe Units
Wrong: "I need 2 IU of HGH so I draw to the 2 line on my syringe." Right: "I have 10 IU in 1mL. 2 IU = 20% of the vial = 0.20 mL = 20 units on the syringe."
Mistake 2: Using Sterile Water Instead of Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water contains no preservative. Once you pierce the vial, bacteria can colonize. BAC water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial growth, allowing multi-dose use over 28+ days.
Exception: HGH pre-mixed kits sometimes come with sterile water for single-use cartridges. If using multi-dose vials, always use BAC water.
Mistake 3: Not Accounting for Dead Space in the Syringe
Insulin syringes have minimal dead space, but it exists. The tiny amount of liquid left in the needle hub after injection is approximately 0.5-1 unit. On small doses (5 units), this represents up to 20% loss. Solutions:
- Use low dead-space syringes (specifically designed to minimize waste)
- Accept the minor loss and account for it when planning how many doses per vial
- Draw a small air bubble behind the solution to push all liquid through the needle
Mistake 4: Storing Reconstituted Peptides at Room Temperature
Reconstituted peptides degrade rapidly at room temperature. Always refrigerate at 2-8°C. Most reconstituted peptides maintain potency for 28-30 days refrigerated. Beyond that, degradation accelerates.
Never freeze reconstituted peptides — ice crystal formation destroys the protein structure.
Mistake 5: Measuring mcg When the Label Says mg
Always convert to consistent units before calculating:
- 5mg vial = 5,000 mcg
- 2mg vial = 2,000 mcg
- 10mg vial = 10,000 mcg
If your desired dose is in mcg, make sure your vial amount is also in mcg. Mixing mg and mcg in the same calculation is where dosing errors happen.
Mistake 6: Injecting Too Fast
Inject slowly over 5-10 seconds for subcutaneous injections. Rapid injection can cause localized pain, welts, and poor absorption. The peptide needs time to disperse into the subcutaneous tissue.
Quick-Reference Dosing Card
Print or screenshot this for your fridge:
Universal Formula
CONCENTRATION = (Vial mg × 1000) ÷ BAC water mL = mcg/mL
SYRINGE UNITS = (Desired mcg ÷ Concentration mcg/mL) × 100
Most Common Setups at a Glance
| Peptide | Vial | BAC Water | Conc (mcg/mL) | Standard Dose | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | 5mg | 2mL | 2,500 | 250mcg | 10 |
| TB-500 | 5mg | 2mL | 2,500 | 2,500mcg | 100 |
| TB-500 | 5mg | 1mL | 5,000 | 2,500mcg | 50 |
| HGH | 10IU | 1mL | 10IU/mL | 2IU | 20 |
| Semaglutide | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2,000 | 500mcg | 25 |
| Semaglutide | 5mg | 2mL | 2,500 | 500mcg | 20 |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 2mg | 2mL | 1,000 | 100mcg | 10 |
| Ipamorelin | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2,000 | 200mcg | 10 |
| Ipamorelin | 5mg | 2mL | 2,500 | 200mcg | 8 |
| GHRP-6 | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2,000 | 100mcg | 5 |
| AOD-9604 | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2,000 | 300mcg | 15 |
| HGH Frag 176-191 | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2,000 | 250mcg | 12.5 |
Doses Per Vial: Planning Your Supply
Knowing how many doses you get per vial helps you plan purchases and budget:
| Peptide | Vial Size | Dose | Doses Per Vial | Days Supply (1x/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | 5mg | 250mcg 2x/day | 10 doses (5 days) | 5 days |
| BPC-157 | 5mg | 250mcg 1x/day | 20 doses | 20 days |
| TB-500 | 5mg | 2.5mg 2x/week (loading) | 2 doses | ~3.5 days |
| TB-500 | 5mg | 2.5mg 1x/week (maintenance) | 2 doses | 14 days |
| Ipamorelin | 5mg | 200mcg 3x/day | ~8 doses (2.7 days) | ~2.7 days |
| Ipamorelin | 5mg | 200mcg 2x/day | 12.5 doses | ~6 days |
| CJC-1295 no-DAC | 2mg | 100mcg 3x/day | ~6.7 doses (~2.2 days) | ~2.2 days |
| Semaglutide | 5mg | 0.5mg 1x/week | 10 doses | 70 days |
| Semaglutide | 5mg | 1.0mg 1x/week | 5 doses | 35 days |
| Semaglutide | 5mg | 2.4mg 1x/week | ~2 doses | 14 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally add too much or too little BAC water?
It does not ruin the peptide. Simply recalculate your concentration with the actual volume you added. If you added 3mL instead of 2mL to a 5mg vial, your concentration is (5000 ÷ 3) = 1,667 mcg/mL. Adjust your injection volume accordingly. The peptide itself is fine.
Can I use the same syringe to draw BAC water and inject?
Yes, for your own single-use vials this is common practice. Draw BAC water, inject into peptide vial, swirl to dissolve, draw your dose, inject. However, never reuse a syringe across days or share between vials of different peptides.
How do I dose peptides that come in 10mg or 15mg vials?
The formula is identical — just plug in the correct vial size. Example: 10mg BPC-157 vial + 2mL BAC water = 5,000 mcg/mL. For 250mcg: 250 ÷ 5,000 × 100 = 5 units on the syringe.
What is the smallest dose I can accurately measure with an insulin syringe?
Standard U-100 syringes have markings every 2 units (0.02mL). You can estimate 1-unit increments between markings. Below 3-4 units becomes unreliable. If your dose calculates to less than 3 units, use more BAC water when reconstituting to create a less concentrated solution that requires more syringe volume.
Do I need to account for the BAC water already in the vial space?
No. The small amount of air space in the vial does not materially affect your calculation. The peptide powder takes up negligible volume. If you add 2mL of BAC water, your solution is effectively 2mL for calculation purposes.
Conclusion: The Math Is Simple — Do It Every Time
Peptide dosing is basic arithmetic. Once you internalize the formula — concentration equals peptide amount divided by water volume, injection volume equals desired dose divided by concentration — you can dose any peptide at any concentration in seconds.
Do not rely on memory or "I usually draw to about here on the syringe." Calculate every time. Label your vials. Use the pre-calculated tables as a reference. And when in doubt, run the formula from scratch.
Accurate dosing is the foundation of effective peptide use. It ensures you get the therapeutic benefit you are paying for, avoids waste from overdosing, and keeps you in the safe dosage range for every compound.
[Internal Link: /peptide-starter-kit/] [Internal Link: /syringes-needles/]
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