IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate IV flow rates in drops per minute (gtt/min) and mL per hour. Essential nursing calculation tool.
Quick Presets
Formula
Drop Factor Guide
10-20 gtt/mL (Macrodrip): Standard IV tubing for most adult infusions. 10 gtt/mL often used for blood products.
60 gtt/mL (Microdrip): Pediatric or when precise control needed. 1 mL = 60 drops, so mL/hr = gtt/min.
Counting Drops
Method 1: Count drops for 15 seconds, multiply by 4
Method 2: Count drops for 30 seconds, multiply by 2
Method 3: Count drops for full minute (most accurate)
Worked Examples
Drops per minute: 1,000 mL over 8 hours with a 15 gtt/mL set = (1,000 × 15) / 480 min = 31 gtt/min.
mL/hr: 500 mL over 4 hours = 500 / 4 = 125 mL/hr.
mL/hr to gtt/min: gtt/min = (mL/hr × drop factor) / 60. At 125 mL/hr with a 20 gtt/mL set = (125 × 20) / 60 = 42 gtt/min.
mL/hr to gtt/min Quick Chart
| mL/hr | 10 gtt/mL | 15 gtt/mL | 20 gtt/mL | 60 gtt/mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 50 |
| 75 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 75 |
| 100 | 17 | 25 | 33 | 100 |
| 125 | 21 | 31 | 42 | 125 |
| 150 | 25 | 38 | 50 | 150 |
| 200 | 33 | 50 | 67 | 200 |
Values are gtt/min, rounded to the nearest whole drop.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always verify calculations independently and follow your facility's policies and procedures. Double-check all medication and IV calculations. When in doubt, consult with a pharmacist or physician.
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