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IV Drip Rate Calculator

Enter the volume, infusion time and drop factor to get the exact drip count to regulate.

1. Inputs

Enter the numbers and the result appears on the right.

mL
drops / mL

2. Result

The drip count to regulate.

—
drops / minute
—
Over 10 seconds
—
Seconds / drop
—
mL / hour
—
Total drops

Real drops are whole numbers, so expect a small rounding difference. Use the 10-second count to make frequent small adjustments.

Formula & steps

How the calculation works

Drops/min = volume (mL) × drop factor (drops/mL) ÷ total time (min)
10-second count = drops per minute ÷ 6
Seconds/drop = 60 ÷ drops per minute
mL/h = volume (mL) ÷ total time (hours)
1

Enter volume & time

Add the total volume and the hours to infuse.

2

Select the IV set

Adult sets are 20 drops/mL, pediatric sets 60 drops/mL.

3

Count for 10 seconds

Use the 10-second count to regulate the drip.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Drops per minute = volume (mL) × drop factor (drops/mL) ÷ total infusion time (minutes). A standard adult (macrodrip) set delivers 20 drops/mL, while a pediatric (microdrip) set delivers 60 drops/mL.
Divide the drops per minute by 6 to get the number of drops over 10 seconds. You only need to count for 10 seconds, which makes fine adjustments easier.
Real drops are counted as whole numbers, so there is a small rounding difference from the calculated value. The rate can also change if the patient moves their arm or the tubing angle shifts. Use the 10-second count to make frequent small adjustments.
A standard adult (macrodrip) set delivers 20 drops per mL and a pediatric (microdrip) set delivers 60 drops per mL. Always check the drop factor printed on your specific IV set.
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Disclaimer: This tool is a calculator intended for learning and verification support and is not a medical device. Always follow the order, your facility's policies and the clinical judgment of a licensed professional. We are not liable for any errors in the calculated results.