Corticosteroids are widely used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They are prescribed for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, and after organ transplantation. Since multiple corticosteroids exist, each with different potencies, half-lives, and mineralocorticoid activities, converting between them accurately is essential to ensure therapeutic consistency and minimize side effects.

Steroid conversion calculators standardize this process by applying established equivalence tables. For example, prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone all have different potencies. Administering an incorrect equivalent dose may lead to under-treatment, resulting in persistent disease activity, or over-treatment, increasing risks such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, and infection.

These calculators are particularly valuable in clinical scenarios such as tapering therapy, switching from oral to IV routes, or adjusting for drug availability. While they guide equivalent dosing, clinical judgment remains critical, as factors like patient response, comorbidities, and treatment duration influence outcomes.