How to Calculate IV Flow Rate

The IV flow rate calculator determines the rate of fluid administration in intravenous therapy using the following formulas:

For Manual Drip (Drops per Minute):

For Pump (Milliliters per Minute):

Where:

• \( \text{Volume} \): Total volume of fluid to be infused (in mL)
• \( \text{Time} \): Duration of infusion (in minutes)
• \( \text{Drop Factor} \): Number of drops per mL (e.g., 10, 15, 20, or 60 gtts/mL, depending on tubing)

Enter the volume, infusion time, and drop factor (if calculating for a manual drip) to compute the flow rate.

Using the IV Flow Rate Calculator

This calculator estimates the flow rate for IV fluid administration, useful in healthcare settings for manual drips or electronic pumps.

Input the total volume (in mL or L), infusion time (in minutes or hours), and drop factor (optional, for manual drips). The calculator returns the flow rate in mL/min and mL/h for pumps, and drops/min for manual drips if a drop factor is provided.

Example: Calculate the flow rate for 500 mL of saline over 2 hours with a drop factor of 20 gtts/mL.

1. Total Volume: 500 mL
2. Infusion Time: 2 hours (120 minutes)
3. Drop Factor: 20 gtts/mL
4. Flow Rate (drops/min): \( \frac{500 \times 20}{120} = 83 \) gtts/min
5. Flow Rate (mL/min): \( \frac{500}{120} \approx 4.17 \) mL/min
6. Flow Rate (mL/h): \( \frac{500}{2} = 250 \) mL/h

Use this tool for precise IV administration in hospitals, clinics, or emergency care.