{
    "name": "Infusion Drip Rate Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/infusion-drip-rate-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/infusion-drip-rate-calculator.md",
    "category": "Healthcare operations",
    "description": "Calculate the gravity IV drip rate in drops per minute (gtt/min) from the volume, infusion time and the giving set’s drop factor, with the equivalent mL/h.",
    "summary": "For a gravity infusion, drops per minute = volume (mL) × drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ time (minutes). It supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement and the prescribed order.",
    "also_called": [
        "Drops per minute calculator",
        "gtt/min calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "volume",
            "label": "Volume to infuse",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "1000",
            "unit": "mL"
        },
        {
            "name": "hours",
            "label": "Infusion time: hours",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "8",
            "unit": "h",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "minutes",
            "label": "Infusion time: minutes",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "0",
            "unit": "min",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "drop_factor",
            "label": "Drop factor of the giving set",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "15",
            "unit": "gtt/mL"
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "drops_per_min",
            "label": "Drip rate (rounded)",
            "format": "integer"
        },
        {
            "key": "drops_exact",
            "label": "Drip rate (unrounded)",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "ml_per_hour",
            "label": "Flow rate",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "seconds_per_drop",
            "label": "One drop every",
            "format": "number"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Drops per minute = Volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ Time (min);  Flow rate (mL/h) = Volume ÷ Time (h)",
        "variables": {
            "Volume": "fluid to be infused, in mL",
            "Drop factor": "drops that make 1 mL for this giving set",
            "Time": "prescribed infusion time"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "volume": "1000",
            "hours": "8",
            "minutes": "0",
            "drop_factor": "15"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Time = 8 h × 60 = 480 minutes.",
            "Drops per minute = 1,000 × 15 ÷ 480 = 31.25, about 31 gtt/min.",
            "Flow rate = 1,000 ÷ 8 = 125 mL/h."
        ],
        "result": "1,000 mL over 8 hours through a 15 gtt/mL set runs at about 31 drops per minute (125 mL/h)."
    },
    "interpretation": "Count drops in the drip chamber for a full minute (or 15 seconds × 4) and adjust the roller clamp to match. Recheck regularly: gravity rates drift as the bag empties or the patient moves.",
    "assumptions": [
        "The drop factor is the one printed on the giving set in use.",
        "The infusion runs at a constant rate for the whole time."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Gravity drip rates are approximate; use an infusion pump where precise delivery is required.",
        "The result is only as correct as the prescribed volume and time; it does not check the order."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "What drop factor should I use?",
            "answer": "Read it from the giving-set packaging. Macro-drip sets are typically 10–20 gtt/mL; micro-drip sets are 60 gtt/mL, where gtt/min equals mL/h."
        },
        {
            "question": "Why round to whole drops?",
            "answer": "Drops can only be counted whole, so the practical rate is the nearest whole number; the unrounded value is shown too."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [
        {
            "title": "Math for Medication Administration (BCcampus open textbook): IV flow rates",
            "url": "https://opentextbc.ca/nursingnumeracy/chapter/iv-flow-rates/"
        }
    ],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "IV Flow Rate Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/iv-flow-rate-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Medication Days Supply Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/medication-days-supply-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Time Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/time-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": "This is a general screening estimate for adults, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk to a qualified health professional about your health.",
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}