IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate IV infusion rate in drops/min or mL/hr
Educational reference only — always follow verified orders, your facility's protocols, and pump programming for real patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drip rate (gtt/min) = Volume to infuse (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ Time (minutes). The drop factor depends on the specific IV tubing set — macrodrip sets are commonly 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL, while microdrip (pediatric/precise) sets are always 60 gtt/mL.
Pump rate (mL/hr) = Volume to infuse (mL) ÷ Time (hours). Most modern infusions run through an electronic pump programmed directly in mL/hr, rather than counted by hand as drops.
The drop factor is fixed by the specific IV administration set (tubing) being used and is printed on the tubing packaging — it's not something you choose independently of the equipment on hand.
No. This is an educational reference tool for learning and checking the underlying math — it is not a substitute for verified physician orders, your facility's clinical protocols, double-checking with a colleague, or a properly programmed infusion pump. Always follow your institution's safety procedures for any real patient infusion.