Potassium, Direct Unit Converter

Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in your body. It carries an electrical charge that helps your cells, nerves, and muscles function properly.

About 98% of your body's potassium is stored inside cells, particularly in skeletal muscle. Only about 2% circulates in the blood, and this small fraction is what the test measures.

Despite its small circulating amount, blood potassium levels must stay within a narrow range (typically 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) for the heart and muscles to work correctly. Even small changes outside this range can have serious health consequences.

Potassium comes entirely from the diet, particularly from fruits, vegetables, dairy, and legumes. The kidneys are primarily responsible for maintaining potassium balance by excreting about 90% of daily intake through urine, with the remaining 10% eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract. The hormone aldosterone plays a central role in regulating how much potassium the kidneys excrete.