Drip Rate Calculator

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter the total volume of IV fluid (in mL) that needs to be administered.
2. Specify the time period (in hours) over which the fluid should be administered.
3. Select the needle gauge size (typically 18-24G).
4. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the drip rate and flow rate.
5. The calculator will display the drip rate in drops per minute and the flow rate in mL per hour.

Understanding the Formula

The calculator uses the following formula to determine the drip rate:

GTT = (Gauge × 15) / Volume (mL) × Time (hours) × 60

Where:

• GTT = Drip Rate (drops per minute)
• Gauge = Needle gauge size (e.g., 18, 20, 22)
• Volume = Total volume of fluid to be infused (mL)
• Time = Time period for infusion (hours)

Practical Example

Suppose you need to administer 1000 mL of IV fluid over 8 hours using a 20G needle. The calculation would be:

GTT = (20 × 15) / 1000 × 8 × 60 = 144 drops per minute

Important Notes

• Always double-check the calculations with a nurse or healthcare professional before starting an IV infusion.
• The drip rate may need to be adjusted based on patient-specific factors such as kidney function, hydration status, and medication being administered.