🩹 Drip Rate Calculator
Convert an IV flow rate (mL/hr) into a drip rate (drops per minute) using the drop factor of your IV tubing set.
What is IV drip rate?
When an infusion is given without an electronic pump, the flow is controlled by counting drops per minute (gtt/min) using a manual roller clamp. The drip rate depends on both the desired flow rate and the drop factor printed on the IV tubing packaging, which tells you how many drops make up one milliliter.
The formula used
Drip Rate (gtt/min) = (Flow Rate in mL/hr ÷ 60) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL). Macrodrip sets (10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL) are typically used for general fluids, while microdrip sets (60 gtt/mL) are used for very precise, low-volume infusions such as in pediatrics.
Note: This calculator is for general educational reference. Always follow your facility’s protocols and a clinician’s order when setting an actual infusion rate.