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HCG Dosing Calculator

HCG: Human chorionic gonadotropin for fertility and testosterone.

Pre-filled with the most-reported community reconstitution protocol for HCG. See how 1 mL and 2 mL of bacteriostatic water change concentration and syringe-draw volume, then adjust the calculator below for your own vial.

Quick answer · Community-reported standard

A 5,000 IU vial of HCG reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 2,500 IU/mL. At that concentration, a 250 IU dose of HCG equals 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe (0.100 mL). HCG is typically administered every other day via subcutaneous.

HCG reconstitution: 1 mL vs 2 mL bac water

Bacteriostatic water volume is flexible. Less water means higher concentration and smaller injection volumes; more water means lower concentration and easier dose precision. Both options below are valid for a 5,000 IU vial.

BAC water addedConcentrationVolume per 250 IU doseDraw on U-100 syringe (units)
1 mL5,000 IU/mL0.050 mL5 units
2 mL2,500 IU/mL0.100 mL10 units
Based on a 5,000 IU vial of HCG reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Insulin-syringe units assume a standard U-100 syringe (100 units = 1 mL).

Calculate your HCG dose

Alternative HCG protocols

Beyond the default above, HCG is also reported in the following protocols. Use these as starting points and recalculate with the tool above.

High-Dose Fertility Protocol

Community
Dose
1000-2500 IU
Frequency
2-3 times weekly
Duration
3-6 months
Route
Intramuscular

Used when actively trying to conceive; higher doses to maximize intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis

Post Cycle Therapy Protocol

Community
Dose
500-1000 IU
Frequency
Every other day for 2-3 weeks
Duration
2-3 weeks (bridge to SERM PCT)
Route
Subcutaneous

Bodybuilding PCT protocol; used to restart testicular function before transitioning to Clomid or Nolvadex

Monotherapy Protocol

Community
Dose
1500-2000 IU
Frequency
2-3 times weekly
Duration
Ongoing
Route
Subcutaneous

Used as standalone testosterone therapy without exogenous testosterone; preserves fertility and endogenous production

Testicular function preservation during TRT

Clinical
Dose
250-500 IU per injection
Frequency
Every other day or 2-3 times per week
Duration
Ongoing while on testosterone replacement therapy

Maintains intratesticular testosterone and Leydig cell function; preserves semen parameters; 500 IU every other day preserved fertility in 26 men on TRT with 9 partner pregnancies

Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (spermatogenesis induction)

Clinical
Dose
1500-5000 IU per injection
Frequency
2-3 times per week
Duration
6-18 months minimum

Often combined with FSH/HMG 75-150 IU 2-3x/week; spermatogenesis with hCG+FSH ~86% vs hCG alone ~40%; uptitrate from 1500 to 3000 IU if needed

HCG reconstitution & storage

Reconstitute lyophilized powder with provided bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride solution. Gently swirl to dissolve; do not shake. Some products come pre-mixed in solution.

Store unreconstituted vials refrigerated at 2-8°C. After reconstitution, store refrigerated and use within 30-60 days depending on product. Lyophilized forms are more stable than liquid. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

HCG dosing FAQ

How much bacteriostatic water should I add to a 5,000 IU vial of HCG?

The community standard is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5,000 IU HCG vial. That gives a concentration of 2,500 IU/mL, so a 250 IU dose is 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 5,000 IU/mL and halves the draw to 5 units. Less water = smaller injection volume but harder to measure precisely.

How many syringe units is a 250 IU dose of HCG?

On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, a 250 IU dose of HCG is 10 units when the 5,000 IU vial is reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (2,500 IU/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 5 units (5,000 IU/mL).

What is the standard HCG dose?

Community-reported protocols for HCG typically use 250–500 IU every other day via Subcutaneous. 250 IU is a common starting dose. Most widely used community protocol; maintains testicular function and prevents atrophy during TRT

How long does a vial of HCG last at 250 IU every other day?

A 5,000 IU vial of HCG contains roughly 20 doses at 250 IU per injection. At every other day dosing, that is approximately 40 days (about 6 weeks) of supply per vial. Reconstituted HCG should generally be used within 28 days when refrigerated.

Where do you inject HCG?

HCG is typically injected subcutaneous. Common sites reported in the literature and by users include: Subcutaneous abdomen, Subcutaneous thigh, Intramuscular gluteus (yields higher Cmax than SC, especially in obese individuals). Rotate sites with each injection to reduce localized irritation.

Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for HCG?

Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vials like HCG because it inhibits microbial growth and lets a single vial be used over multiple weeks. Sterile water has no preservative and should generally be reserved for single-use preparations only.

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Medical Disclaimer

This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.