IV Drip Rate Formula Calculator
Calculate infusion rates in gtt/min and mL/hr accurately.
Hours
Minutes
10 gtt/mL (Macro-drip)
15 gtt/mL (Macro-drip)
20 gtt/mL (Macro-drip)
60 gtt/mL (Micro-drip/Pediatric)
Check the IV tubing package for the specific drop factor.
Calculation Results:
Drip Rate
0
gtt / min
Flow Rate
0
mL / hr
Understanding the IV Drip Rate Formula
Administering intravenous fluids accurately is a critical skill in healthcare. To ensure a patient receives the correct amount of medication or hydration over a specific timeframe, clinicians use the IV drip rate formula.
The Basic IV Formula
The standard formula for calculating the drops per minute (gtt/min) is:
(Total Volume in mL ÷ Time in Minutes) × Drop Factor = Drops per Minute
Key Components
- Total Volume: The total amount of fluid to be infused (measured in milliliters).
- Time: The duration over which the fluid should be infused. If given in hours, it must be converted to minutes (hours × 60).
- Drop Factor: The number of drops (gtt) it takes to equal 1 mL. This is determined by the administration set (tubing) being used.
Macro-drip vs. Micro-drip
The drop factor is typically found on the IV tubing package:
| Tubing Type | Drop Factor | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Macro-drip | 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL | Routine adult infusions |
| Micro-drip | 60 gtt/mL | Pediatrics or precise medications |
Example Calculation
If you need to infuse 1,000 mL of Normal Saline over 8 hours using a 15 gtt/mL set:
- Convert 8 hours to minutes: 8 × 60 = 480 minutes.
- Divide Volume by Time: 1,000 ÷ 480 ≈ 2.083 mL/min.
- Multiply by Drop Factor: 2.083 × 15 = 31.25 (31 drops per minute).