Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

IV Drip Rate Calculator

Work out iv drip rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About IV Drip Rate Calculator

Converts a volume and infusion time into a gravity drip rate using the giving set drop factor, and shows the equivalent pump rate.

Formula

Drip rate

Drops per minute = volume (mL) x drop factor (drops/mL) / time (minutes)

Worked example

With the default values below, IV Drip Rate Calculator returns Drip rate of 41.7. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Volume to infuseaccepts 10–5,000 mL
1,000 mL
Infusion timeaccepts 5–2,880 min
480 min
Giving set drop factorone of Standard 20 drops/mL, Blood set 15 drops/mL, Macro 10 drops/mL, Micro 60 drops/mL
Standard 20 drops/mL

Results

Drip rate
41.7 drops/min
Equivalent pump rate
125.0 mL/h
Seconds between drops
1.4 s

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Drip rate
  3. 3Drip rate= 41.7 drops/min
  4. 4Equivalent pump rate= 125.0 mL/h
  5. 5Seconds between drops= 1.4 s

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 3 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 1 decimal place, 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

Which drop factor applies?

It is printed on the giving set packaging: 20 drops/mL for a standard adult set, 15 for blood and 60 for a paediatric burette.

Why count seconds between drops?

Counting the interval is easier than counting drops for a minute when the rate is slow.

Related Calculators

IV Drip Rate Calculator | Calcrivo