IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate IV infusion rates in gtt/min and mL/hr
10 (Macro)
15 (Macro)
20 (Macro)
60 (Micro)
Hours
Minutes
Drip Rate:
0 gtt/min
Infusion Pump Rate:
0 mL/hr
Understanding IV Tubing Drip Rate Calculations
In clinical settings, nurses and healthcare providers must accurately calculate the IV drip rate to ensure patients receive medications and fluids at the prescribed speed. This calculator uses the standard "Flow Rate" formula to determine how many drops per minute (gtt/min) are required based on the tubing's drop factor.
The IV Drip Rate Formula
Drip Rate (gtt/min) = [Total Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Time (minutes)
Key Components Explained
- Total Volume: The total amount of fluid to be infused, measured in milliliters (mL).
- Drop Factor: The number of drops required to deliver 1 mL of fluid. This is specific to the IV tubing set being used (Commonly 10, 15, 20 for macro-drip or 60 for micro-drip).
- Time: The total duration for the infusion, converted into minutes for the drip rate calculation.
Example Calculation
Scenario: A physician orders 1000 mL of Normal Saline to be infused over 8 hours using a macro-drip set with a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL.
- Convert Time: 8 hours × 60 minutes = 480 minutes.
- Apply Formula: (1000 mL × 20 gtt/mL) / 480 minutes.
- Result: 20,000 / 480 = 41.67 gtt/min (rounded to 42 gtt/min).
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always verify calculations with a colleague or refer to your facility's protocols before administering fluids or medications.