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Iron Deficit Dose Calculator

Work out iron deficit dose instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Iron Deficit Dose Calculator

Applies the Ganzoni formula, which combines the iron needed to correct haemoglobin with a fixed allowance for replenishing iron stores.

Formula

Ganzoni formula

Iron deficit (mg) = body weight (kg) x (target Hb - actual Hb) x 2.4 + iron stores (usually 500 mg)

Worked example

With the default values below, Iron Deficit Dose Calculator returns Total iron deficit of 1,076. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Body weightaccepts 5–200 kg
60 kg
Current haemoglobinaccepts 3–15 g/dL
9 g/dL
Target haemoglobinaccepts 8–16 g/dL
13 g/dL
Iron store allowanceaccepts 0–1,000 mg
500 mg

Results

Total iron deficit
1,076 mg
Iron for haemoglobin restoration
576 mg
500 mg infusions required
2.15

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Ganzoni formula
  3. 3Total iron deficit= 1,076 mg
  4. 4Iron for haemoglobin restoration= 576 mg
  5. 5500 mg infusions required= 2.15

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the 2.4 come from?

It combines blood volume per kilogram, the iron content of haemoglobin and the conversion from g/dL to g/L.

Is the store allowance always 500 mg?

500 mg is standard for adults; 15 mg/kg is used in children under 35 kg.

Related Calculators

Iron Deficit Dose Calculator – Calculate Total iron deficit