{
    "name": "IV Flow Rate Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/iv-flow-rate-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/iv-flow-rate-calculator.md",
    "category": "Healthcare operations",
    "description": "Calculate an IV infusion pump rate in mL per hour from the volume and infusion time, with mL per minute and the clock time the infusion will finish.",
    "summary": "Pump rate in mL/h is the volume divided by the infusion time in hours. It supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement, the prescription and local infusion protocols.",
    "also_called": [
        "Infusion rate calculator",
        "mL/hr 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": "500",
            "unit": "mL"
        },
        {
            "name": "hours",
            "label": "Infusion time: hours",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "4",
            "unit": "h",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "minutes",
            "label": "Infusion time: minutes",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "0",
            "unit": "min",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "start",
            "label": "Start time",
            "type": "time",
            "default": "08:00",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "ml_per_hour",
            "label": "Flow rate",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "ml_per_min",
            "label": "Flow rate per minute",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "duration",
            "label": "Infusion time",
            "format": "text"
        },
        {
            "key": "finish_at",
            "label": "Finishes at",
            "format": "text"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Flow rate (mL/h) = Volume (mL) ÷ Time (h);  Finish time = Start time + Infusion time",
        "variables": {
            "Volume": "fluid to infuse, in mL",
            "Time": "prescribed infusion time"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "volume": "500",
            "hours": "4",
            "minutes": "0",
            "start": "08:00"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Flow rate = 500 mL ÷ 4 h = 125 mL/h.",
            "Per minute = 500 ÷ 240 = 2.083 mL/min.",
            "Finish = 08:00 + 4 h = 12:00."
        ],
        "result": "500 mL over 4 hours runs at 125 mL/h and, started at 08:00, finishes at 12:00."
    },
    "interpretation": "Programme the pump with the mL/h rate and the volume to be infused, then confirm against the prescription. For gravity sets, convert to drops per minute with the drip rate calculator.",
    "assumptions": [
        "The rate is constant for the whole infusion."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Line priming volume, interruptions and bag overfill are not included.",
        "Weight-based or dose-based rates (for example mg/kg/h) are not calculated here."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "How do I convert mL/h to drops per minute?",
            "answer": "Multiply mL/h by the drop factor and divide by 60. At 125 mL/h on a 10 gtt/mL set that is 20.8, about 21 gtt/min."
        },
        {
            "question": "Why might the infusion finish later than shown?",
            "answer": "Pauses for alarms, line changes or patient movement add time; the finish time assumes no interruptions."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [
        {
            "title": "Math for Medication Administration (BCcampus open textbook): IV flow rates",
            "url": "https://opentextbc.ca/nursingnumeracy/chapter/iv-flow-rates/"
        }
    ],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Infusion Drip Rate Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/infusion-drip-rate-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Time Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/time-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Hours Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/hours-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"
}