How to Calculate IV Drip Rate
What is IV Drip Rate?
IV drip rate calculations determine how fast to infuse intravenous fluids to deliver a specified volume over a set time period. Flow rate (mL/hr) and drip rate (drops/min) are calculated from volume, time, and the administration set's drop factor.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Flow rate (mL/hr) = Volume (mL) / Time (hr)
- 2Drip rate (drops/min) = Volume × Drop factor / (Time in hours × 60)
- 3Drop factors: macrodrip 10, 15, or 20 drops/mL · microdrip 60 drops/mL
- 4Infusion pumps deliver by mL/hr; gravity sets by drops/min
Worked Examples
Input
1,000mL over 8 hours · drop factor 20
Result
Flow rate: 125 mL/hr · Drip rate: 42 drops/min
1000×20÷(8×60)=41.7≈42
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