IV Drip Rate Calculator (mL/hr)
Convert any IV infusion order — mcg/kg/min, mcg/min, or mg/hr — to a pump rate in mL/hr. Handles vasopressors, inotropes, analgesics, and custom concentrations at the bedside.
How to calculate an IV drip rate
For a weight-based infusion ordered in mcg/kg/min:
Where dose is in mcg/kg/min, weight is in kg, 60 converts minutes to hours, and concentration is in mcg/mL (e.g., 8 mg in 250 mL = 32 mcg/mL).
Worked example
Norepinephrine 0.1 mcg/kg/min for a 70 kg patient. Standard concentration: 8 mg in 250 mL = 32 mcg/mL.
= (0.1 mcg/kg/min × 70 kg × 60 min/hr) ÷ 32 mcg/mL
= 420 ÷ 32
= 13.1 mL/hr
Frequently asked questions
What units does this calculator support?
mcg/kg/min (weight-based), mcg/min (fixed rate), mg/hr, and mL/hr pass-through. All convert to a pump-ready mL/hr value.
How do I change the drug concentration?
Enter your custom concentration (mg per total bag volume in mL) under the concentration field. The calculator recalculates the mL/hr rate instantly.
Is this calculator clinically validated?
The underlying math follows standard pharmacokinetic unit conversion formulas. Always verify results with your institution's protocols and double-check with a colleague before titrating vasoactive drugs.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Shiftside is a Progressive Web App (PWA). Install it once from your browser and use it at the bedside without a network connection.