IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate infusion rate in drops per minute (gtt/min)
10 gtt/mL (Macro)
15 gtt/mL (Macro)
20 gtt/mL (Macro)
60 gtt/mL (Micro/Pediatric)
Recommended Infusion Rate
0
drops per minute (gtt/min)
Flow Rate: 0 mL/hr
How to Calculate Drip Rate (gtt/min)
In clinical settings, calculating the intravenous (IV) drip rate is a critical skill for nursing and healthcare professionals. The drip rate determines how many drops fall into the drip chamber per minute to ensure the patient receives the correct volume of fluid or medication over a specific timeframe.
The Drip Rate Formula
To calculate the drops per minute manually, you use the following universal formula:
Drip Rate (gtt/min) = [Total Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Total Time (minutes)
Key Components Explained
- Total Volume: The total amount of fluid to be infused, usually measured in milliliters (mL).
- Drop Factor: The number of drops it takes to equal 1 mL. This is determined by the IV administration set being used.
- Macro-drip sets: Typically 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL.
- Micro-drip sets: Standardized at 60 gtt/mL (used for pediatric or precision dosing).
- Time: The duration over which the fluid must be infused, converted entirely into minutes.
Example Calculation
Suppose a doctor orders 1,000 mL of Normal Saline to be infused over 8 hours using a macro-drip set with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL.
- Convert hours to minutes: 8 hours × 60 minutes = 480 minutes.
- Apply the formula: (1,000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) ÷ 480 minutes.
- Calculate: 15,000 ÷ 480 = 31.25.
- Round: Since you cannot count a partial drop, you would set the rate to 31 drops per minute.
Quick Reference Table
| Tubing Type | Drop Factor | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Macro-drip | 10 – 20 gtt/mL | Adult routine infusions |
| Micro-drip | 60 gtt/mL | Pediatrics/High-risk meds |