IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate IV infusion rates, drip rates, infusion time, and total volume for medication administration.
What do you want to calculate?
Calculate Flow Rate (mL/hour)
Enter the total volume and infusion time to calculate the flow rate.
Common Infusions
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Drip Factor Reference
| Tubing Type | gtt/mL | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Macro drip (10 gtt/mL) | 10 | Large volume infusions |
| Macro drip (15 gtt/mL) | 15 | Standard adult sets |
| Macro drip (20 gtt/mL) | 20 | Common in some regions |
| Micro drip (60 gtt/mL) | 60 | Pediatric/precise dosing |
IV Calculation Formulas
About IV Calculations
Understanding Drip Factors
The drip factor (also called drop factor or calibration) is the number of drops needed to deliver 1 mL of fluid. This varies by IV tubing manufacturer and type. Macro drip sets (10-20 gtt/mL) are used for large volume infusions, while micro drip sets (60 gtt/mL) provide more precise control for smaller volumes or pediatric patients.
When to Use Manual Drip Calculations
While most modern healthcare settings use electronic IV pumps, manual drip rate calculations are still important for: gravity infusions, settings without pumps, pump malfunctions, and verifying pump settings. Understanding these calculations is a fundamental nursing skill.
Safety Considerations
- Always use two patient identifiers before administering IV fluids
- Verify the "5 Rights": right patient, drug, dose, route, and time
- Check for IV site patency and signs of infiltration
- Monitor patients for signs of fluid overload or adverse reactions
- Document administration and patient response
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