Enter your vial's total peptide amount, how much bacteriostatic water you add, and your amount per serving. The calculator tells you exactly how many insulin syringe units (IU marks) to pull.
Standard insulin syringes have 100 units per mL. 1 mg = 1000 mcg.
What are peptides?
Peptides are naturally present in our bodies — they are chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that participate in many crucial biological and physiological processes. Oxytocin, glucagon, and insulin are all examples of peptide hormones; others are found in the brain, kidneys, and respiratory system.
The structure of peptides is straightforward: amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, and some join together to form polypeptides. When the molecular mass of a polypeptide exceeds 10,000 daltons, it is considered a protein. Our bodies produce peptides naturally, but they can also be used to support certain functions — a growing area of interest in research and wellness communities.
What are peptides used for?
1. Peptides in research & medicine
Peptides have gained significant momentum in research over the past decade. Thanks to advances in biotechnology, more short amino acid chains are being studied, analyzed, and produced to understand their potential roles. Current research areas include oncology, metabolic function, cardiovascular health, and microbial applications.
For example, GLP-1 is a peptide hormone that inhibits glucagon secretion, reduces appetite, and promotes insulin production — properties being explored in the context of metabolic health.
2. Peptides for weight management
Several peptides are studied for their role in weight management, largely as a by-product of metabolic research. Researchers observed that certain peptides associated with blood sugar regulation also appeared to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of fullness. Peptides currently being studied in this area include:
- Semaglutide
- Liraglutide
- Tirzepatide
3. Peptides for muscle & recovery
In the fitness and research community, peptides are of interest for their potential to support growth hormone secretion, protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and fat metabolism — unlike anabolic steroids, which artificially elevate hormone levels.
Common peptide reference amounts
Below is a general reference table used in the research community. These are not recommendations — always consult a qualified professional before beginning any protocol.
| Peptide | Typical Research Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | 1–10 mcg/kg body weight | Daily |
| TB-500 | 2–2.5 mg | 2× per week |
| CJC-1295 | 30–60 mcg | Daily |
| Ipamorelin | 200–300 mcg | Daily |
| Sermorelin | 500–1000 mcg | Daily |
| AOD-9604 | 300 mcg | Daily |
| Hexarelin | 200–400 mcg | Daily |
| Semaglutide | 0.25–2.4 mg | Weekly |
| Tirzepatide | 2.5–15 mg | Weekly |
How to reconstitute peptides
Most research peptides come as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in small vials, typically 2–10 mg. Before use, they must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Here's the general process:
- Gather your supplies — peptide vial, bacteriostatic water, an insulin syringe, and alcohol swabs.
- Swab the vial tops with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
- Draw the BAC water — typically 1–2 mL per vial. Use our calculator above to determine the right amount based on your target concentration.
- Inject the water slowly into the peptide vial, aiming at the glass wall rather than directly onto the powder.
- Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should be clear.
- Store reconstituted peptides in the refrigerator at 2–8°C. Most are stable for 4–6 weeks once reconstituted.
How to read your syringe
Standard insulin syringes are marked in units (IU), where 100 units = 1 mL. So when our calculator says "pull to 20 IU," you draw the plunger back to the line marked 20 on your syringe — that equals 0.20 mL of solution.
Syringes typically come in 0.3 mL (30 IU), 0.5 mL (50 IU), and 1 mL (100 IU) sizes. Make sure the volume you need fits within your syringe's capacity before drawing.