GHK-Cu Dosage Calculator
Calculate GHK-Cu (copper peptide) injection volumes. Pre-filled for a 50mg vial with 5ml BAC water (10,000 mcg/ml).
GHK-Cu (copper peptide) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma that binds copper ions and has been studied for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin regeneration — evidence is largely preclinical or topical. Research doses are much smaller than the total vial size — a 50mg vial with 5ml BAC water gives 10000 mcg/ml, and a 1mg dose is just 10 units.
For a 50mg GHK-Cu vial: add 5ml of bacteriostatic water → concentration is exactly 10000 mcg/ml. A commonly referenced 1000mcg (1mg) research dose = 0.10ml (10 units) on a 100-unit syringe.
Dose Reference Table
Pre-calculated for a 50mg vial + 5ml BAC water = 10,000 mcg/ml concentration. Using a 100-unit (1ml) insulin syringe.
| Dose | Inject Volume (ml) | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 500mcg | 0.050 ml | 5 units |
| 1000mcg | 0.100 ml | 10 units |
| 1500mcg | 0.150 ml | 15 units |
| 2000mcg | 0.200 ml | 20 units |
| 3000mcg | 0.300 ml | 30 units |
About GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It was first isolated in 1973 and has since become one of the most studied peptides for skin health, wound healing, and anti-aging applications.
GHK-Cu has been studied for stimulating collagen synthesis, wound healing, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant effects — primarily in cell, animal, and topical human research. Studies have also explored hair follicle stimulation, nerve regeneration, and organ protection. It has gained popularity in biohacking communities, where it is sometimes called the "glow peptide." It is not FDA-approved as an injectable therapeutic, and injectable use is experimental.
GHK-Cu comes in larger vials (commonly 50mg) because doses are measured in milligrams rather than micrograms. Reconstituting with 5ml of bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 10,000 mcg/ml. A common injection dose of 1mg (1000mcg) requires just 0.1ml — 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
GHK-Cu can be administered subcutaneously, topically (as a cream or serum), or via intradermal injection. Subcutaneous injection is used for systemic effects, while topical application targets specific skin areas.
How this calculator works
Every result comes from the same three formulas used for any lyophilized peptide: concentration (mcg/ml) = vial mg × 1,000 ÷ BAC water ml; injection volume (ml) = desired dose mcg ÷ concentration; syringe units = injection volume ml × 100 on a U-100 syringe.
For the preset GHK-Cu setup on this page: a 50mg vial mixed with 5ml of bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 10,000 mcg/ml. A 1,000mcg dose then needs 0.10ml, which is 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
The full methodology, with worked examples and the assumptions behind each formula, is on the methodology page.
Accuracy & limitations
The arithmetic itself is exact — the same inputs always produce the same output. Real-world accuracy depends on things outside the calculator: actual vial contents can vary slightly from the labeled amount within manufacturing tolerance, the BAC water volume should be measured carefully, and syringe readings are taken at the bottom edge of the plunger. Reconstituted peptides also degrade over time (the common guidance is to use within about 28 days refrigerated), which the math does not model. This tool does arithmetic only — it does not recommend doses, and it is not medical advice.
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Content, formulas and sources checked by Kanika