Introduction
Setting the correct IV flow rate ensures a fluid or medication bag is delivered over the intended time — critical for both electronic pumps (mL/hr) and gravity-fed drip sets (gtt/min).
How to use the Dosage Infusion Calculator
- Enter the total volume to be infused in mL.
- Enter the total infusion time in hours.
- Enter the giving set's drop factor (found on the packaging, in gtt/mL).
- Click Calculate to see both the pump rate and manual drip rate.
Formula and Calculation Method
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Total volume (mL) ÷ Time (hr). Drops/min = (Volume × Drop factor) ÷ (Time in min)
Visual breakdown
REFERENCE
Macrodrip sets: 10–20 gtt/mL · Microdrip sets: 60 gtt/mL
Why use this calculator
Manually converting between mL/hr and gtt/min under time pressure invites error. This calculator gives both figures instantly and charts the expected cumulative volume, useful for checking a pump partway through infusion.
FAQs
What's a typical drop factor?
Macrodrip sets are commonly 10, 15 or 20 gtt/mL; microdrip sets are 60 gtt/mL — always check the specific set in use.
Does this apply to syringe pumps?
Syringe pumps are programmed directly in mL/hr, so only the first result applies there.
What if the bag isn't finished exactly on time?
Recalculate the remaining volume against the remaining time to get an updated rate.