IV Drip Rate Calculator — drops/min & mL/hr
Work out an intravenous infusion rate from the volume, the time to run it, and the giving-set drop factor. Get drops per minute (gtt/min) for gravity infusions and mL/hr for infusion pumps.
Infusion order
gtt/mL — check the packaging of your IV set.
For reference and education only — always verify against local protocols and a clinician’s review. Calculated locally in your browser.
The formulas
gtt/min = (volumemL × drop factor) / timeminmL/hr = volumemL / timehrCommon drop factors
Macrodrip sets deliver 10, 15 or 20 drops/mL and are used for routine adult infusions. Microdrip (pediatric) sets deliver 60 drops/mL for precise, low-volume infusions. Always confirm the factor printed on the set you are using.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate IV drip rate in drops per minute?+
gtt/min = (volume in mL × drop factor in gtt/mL) ÷ time in minutes. For 1000 mL over 8 hours (480 min) with a 20 gtt/mL set: (1000 × 20) ÷ 480 ≈ 42 drops/min.
How do you calculate the pump rate in mL/hr?+
mL/hr = total volume (mL) ÷ time (hours). 1000 mL over 8 hours = 125 mL/hr.
What is a drop factor?+
The drop factor is how many drops make 1 mL for a given IV set, printed on the packaging. Macrodrip sets are 10, 15 or 20 gtt/mL; microdrip (pediatric) sets are 60 gtt/mL.
When do I use drops/min vs mL/hr?+
Use drops/min when running fluids by gravity and counting the drip chamber; use mL/hr when programming an electronic infusion pump.
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