mL/hr to mg/kg/hr Calculator
Convert an infusion pump rate (mL/hr) into a weight-based dose (mg/kg/hr) using concentration (mg/mL) and patient weight (kg).
Pump rate in mL per hour (commas accepted).
How many mg are in each 1 mL.
Use actual body weight unless protocol says otherwise.
How mL/hr to mg/kg/hr Conversion Works
Infusion pumps are often programmed in mL per hour (mL/hr), while medication strength is expressed as mg per mL (mg/mL). That gets you a dose rate in mg/hr.
If a protocol requires a weight-based dose, you then divide the mg/hr by the patient’s weight (kg) to obtain mg/kg/hr. This is common in paediatrics and some adult critical-care protocols where dose targets scale by size.
Formula
Worked Examples
Example 1: Rate 10 mL/hr, concentration 2 mg/mL, weight 80 kg. What is mg/kg/hr?
mg/kg/hr = 20 ÷ 80 = 0.25 mg/kg/hr
Example 2: Rate 12 mL/hr, concentration 1.5 mg/mL, weight 60 kg. What is mg/kg/hr?
mg/kg/hr = 18 ÷ 60 = 0.30 mg/kg/hr
Example 3: Rate 2.5 mL/hr, concentration 4 mg/mL, weight 25 kg. What is mg/kg/hr?
mg/kg/hr = 10 ÷ 25 = 0.40 mg/kg/hr
Clinical safety note: Confirm the concentration source (mg/mL), pump units (mL/hr), and weight units (kg). High-risk infusions may require an independent double-check and protocol-based rounding. This tool supports checking only.
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
References focus on medication calculation concepts and medication safety principles.
Clinical disclaimer: Educational checking tool only — always follow local policy and product guidance.