Professional Medical Calculation Tool for Nursing & Clinical Use
Calculate Manual Drip Rate (Drops per Minute)
10 (Macro)
15 (Macro)
20 (Macro)
60 (Micro)
Calculate Infusion Rate (mL/hr)
Calculate Rate from Weight-Based Dosage
Understanding IV Drip Rate & Dosage Calculations
In clinical settings, calculating the correct IV drip rate is a critical skill for nursing staff and healthcare professionals. Ensuring the precise delivery of fluids and medications prevents complications like fluid overload or sub-therapeutic dosing.
The Universal IV Drip Rate Formula
When calculating manual IV gravity drips, we use the "Drops Per Minute" formula:
(Total Volume in mL × Drop Factor) ÷ Total Time in Minutes = Drops per Minute (gtt/min)
Key Definitions
Drop Factor: The number of drops (gtt) it takes to equal 1 mL. This is determined by the administration set tubing. Common macro-drip sets are 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL. Micro-drip sets are always 60 gtt/mL.
Infusion Rate: The volume of fluid infused over a specific time, usually expressed in mL/hr for electronic infusion pumps.
Concentration: The amount of medication (mg or mcg) dissolved in a specific volume of fluid (mL).
Calculation Examples
Example 1 (Manual Drip): A physician orders 1,000 mL of Normal Saline over 8 hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL.
Step 3: Convert concentration to mcg (400mg = 400,000 mcg).
Step 4: (24,000 ÷ 400,000) × 250 mL = 15 mL/hr.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always double-check medical calculations according to your facility's protocols and manufacturer guidelines before administering medication.
function showIVTab(tabId) {
var sections = document.getElementsByClassName('calc-section');
for (var i = 0; i < sections.length; i++) {
sections[i].style.display = 'none';
}
document.getElementById(tabId).style.display = 'block';
}
function calcDripRate() {
var vol = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vol1').value);
var time = parseFloat(document.getElementById('time1').value);
var factor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('factor1').value);
var resDiv = document.getElementById('res1');
if (isNaN(vol) || isNaN(time) || vol <= 0 || time <= 0) {
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid volume and time.';
return;
}
var rate = (vol * factor) / time;
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Result: ' + rate.toFixed(1) + ' gtt/minAdjust the roller clamp to approximately ' + Math.round(rate) + ' drops per minute.';
}
function calcInfusionRate() {
var vol = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vol2').value);
var hours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('time2').value);
var resDiv = document.getElementById('res2');
if (isNaN(vol) || isNaN(hours) || vol <= 0 || hours <= 0) {
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid volume and hours.';
return;
}
var rate = vol / hours;
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Result: ' + rate.toFixed(1) + ' mL/hrSet the infusion pump to ' + rate.toFixed(1) + ' mL/hr.';
}
function calcWeightDosage() {
var dose = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dose3').value);
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weight3').value);
var drugMg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('drug3').value);
var vol = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vol3').value);
var resDiv = document.getElementById('res3');
if (isNaN(dose) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(drugMg) || isNaN(vol) || dose <= 0 || weight <= 0 || drugMg <= 0 || vol <= 0) {
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Please fill in all fields with valid numbers.';
return;
}
// Concentration in mcg/mL
var concentrationMcgPerMl = (drugMg * 1000) / vol;
// Dosage needed in mcg per minute
var mcgPerMin = dose * weight;
// Dosage needed in mcg per hour
var mcgPerHour = mcgPerMin * 60;
// Rate in mL/hr
var mlPerHour = mcgPerHour / concentrationMcgPerMl;
resDiv.style.display = 'block';
resDiv.innerHTML = 'Infusion Pump Rate: ' + mlPerHour.toFixed(2) + ' mL/hr' +
'Dosage: ' + (dose * weight).toFixed(1) + ' mcg/min total.';
}