Cardiac Output (CO) Calculator
Calculate cardiac output from stroke volume and heart rate for quick hemodynamic estimation.
Commas allowed (e.g. 1,250).
Educational use only. Always interpret results in clinical context and verify with local policies/protocols.
How it works
Cardiac output (CO) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute. A simple estimate is obtained by multiplying stroke volume (SV, the blood ejected per beat) by heart rate (HR, beats per minute).
This calculator assumes SV is entered in milliliters per beat and HR in beats per minute. The product gives mL/min, then dividing by 1000 converts the result to liters per minute (L/min).
Formula
Worked examples
Example 1: SV 70 mL and HR 75 bpm — calculate CO
Example 2: SV 50 mL and HR 110 bpm — calculate CO
Example 3: SV 30 mL and HR 130 bpm — calculate CO
Practice questions
Try it first, then reveal the answer and working.
Practice 1: SV 70 mL, HR 75 bpm. What is CO?
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Practice 2: SV 50 mL, HR 110 bpm. What is CO?
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Practice 3: SV 30 mL, HR 130 bpm. What is CO?
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Clinical safety note: Cardiac output targets vary by patient and clinical context. A “normal” value does not guarantee adequate perfusion, and a low value may be appropriate in some settings. Use validated measurements and follow local protocols for shock/ICU management.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.
References & Sources
These resources provide clinical context for cardiac output and hemodynamic monitoring.
Hemodynamics & shock
Vincent JL, De Backer D — Circulatory Shock
PubMedN Engl J Med
High-quality overview of shock physiology and hemodynamic goals/assessment.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines
GuidelineSociety of Critical Care Medicine
Guideline recommendations for hemodynamic resuscitation targets and monitoring in sepsis.
Monitoring & measurement
Magder S — Invasive hemodynamic monitoring
PubMedCritical Care Clinics
Review of invasive monitoring concepts relevant to CO interpretation and limitations.
Merck Manual Professional — Cardiac Output / Hemodynamics
ReferenceMerck Manual Professional Edition
Clinician-focused reference on cardiac output concepts and clinical interpretation.