IV Drip Rate Calculator

Intravenous drip rate in drops per minute

Volume to infuse (mL)

Infusion duration (hours)

Drop factor of the giving set (drops/mL)

Equation & limitations

Equation: Drip rate (drops/min) = (volume (mL) × drop factor) / (time (h) × 60)
Version: Standard infusion-rate arithmetic
Source: Defined by Pharmapedia for this tool; standard clinical arithmetic.
Appropriate in: Intravenous infusions where a macrodrip or microdrip set is used.
Limitations: Assumes a constant drop factor. Use the set manufacturer’s factor (commonly 10, 15, 20 or 60 drops/mL).
Real infusion pumps are set in mL/hour — check the device before programming.
Not for medications whose rate is governed by a syringe driver or a per-kg protocol.

For educational use. Results support, and do not replace, clinical judgement — check them against the patient and local guidelines.