How do I convert gtt/min to mL/hr?

Use the tubing drop factor (gtt/mL). Formula: mL/hr = (gtt/min x 60) / drop factor.

What is the formula for mL/hr from drip rate and drop factor?

mL/hr = (gtt/min x 60) / (gtt/mL).

What is drop factor (gtt/mL) and where do I find it?

Drop factor is the number of drops that equal 1 mL for that giving set. It's printed on the IV tubing packaging or drip chamber.

What's the difference between macrodrip and microdrip?

Macrodrip sets commonly use 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL. Microdrip sets are commonly 60 gtt/mL. Always use the value printed on your tubing.

Why do I need the drop factor to convert drops per minute to mL per hour?

Because drop factor converts drops into millilitres. Without gtt/mL, you can't turn gtt/min into mL/min or mL/hr.

Can I use this to document an IV gravity infusion rate in mL/hr?

Yes—this drip rate to mL/hr calculator is commonly used to estimate and document the approximate mL/hr when you've counted gtt/min on a gravity infusion.

Is this the same as an IV pump rate?

An IV pump rate is usually set directly in mL/hr. This calculator estimates the mL/hr equivalent of a gravity drip rate (roller clamp/drip chamber).

Why is my calculated mL/hr different from the ordered rate?

Common reasons include using the wrong drop factor, miscounting drops, time-unit confusion, or real-world flow changes (bag height, cannula size, tubing resistance).

Should I round the result?

Most pump-style documentation uses whole-number mL/hr. Gravity rates are approximate, so rounding to the nearest whole mL/hr is usually reasonable for education and estimation.

How do I convert the result back to gtt/min?

Use: gtt/min = (mL/hr / 60) x drop factor (gtt/mL).

What if my drip rate is very low or very high?

Recheck the drop factor and recount drops over a full minute. Very low/high values can also indicate flow restriction or a wide-open roller clamp.

Is this calculator safe to use clinically?

It supports calculations and education, but it does not replace local policy, clinical judgement, or formal double-check processes.

mL/hr from Drip Rate & Drop Factor Calculator

Convert an observed gravity drip rate (gtt/min) and drop factor to the equivalent infusion rate in mL/hr for IV fluid administration.

Drip Rate (gtt/min)

Enter the observed drip rate in drops per minute.

Drop Factor (gtt/mL)

Drop factor is printed on your IV tubing packaging.

Results are approximate. Always verify against medical order and local protocols.

How it works

This calculator converts a gravity drip rate (gtt/min) into an approximate infusion rate in mL/hr. It uses the IV tubing drop factor (gtt/mL) to convert drops per minute into mL per minute, then multiplies by 60 to convert to mL per hour. Results are approximate and should always be interpreted in clinical context and verified with local policy.

Formula

mL/hr = (gtt/min × 60) ÷ (drop factor gtt/mL)

Worked Examples

Example 1: Convert 20 gtt/min to mL/hr using a 20 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 20 ÷ 20 = 1.00 mL/min

mL/hr = 1.00 × 60 = 60.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 60 mL/hr

Example 2: Convert 31 gtt/min to mL/hr using a 15 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 31 ÷ 15 = 2.07 mL/min

mL/hr = 2.07 × 60 = 124.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 124 mL/hr

Example 3: Convert 125 gtt/min to mL/hr using a microdrip 60 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 125 ÷ 60 = 2.08 mL/min

mL/hr = 2.08 × 60 = 125.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 125 mL/hr

When This Calculator Is Used

•Converting observed gravity drip rates (gtt/min) into mL/hr for charting
•Verifying gravity infusion rates match intended mL/hr orders
•Troubleshooting IV flow rate discrepancies
•Teaching IV therapy calculation principles to nursing students
•Quick reference when documenting gravity infusion rates

Clinical safety note: Gravity drip rates are approximate and depend on tubing patency, patient position, and bag height. Always verify calculated rates against the medical order and local policy before administration.

Related Calculators

Drip Rate from mL/hr

Reverse calculation: mL/hr to gtt/min

Volume + Time → mL/hr

Calculate mL/hr from volume and duration

15-Second Count

Quick drip rate verification method

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.

References & Sources

This calculator is based on established IV infusion and nursing calculation standards from authoritative medical and educational sources across Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Canada Resources

Calculating Drop Factor with Gravity IV Infusions PDF p.1

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

Provides gravity flow equation: (mL/hr ÷ 60) × drop factor = drops/min (rounded). The calculator rearranges this to solve for mL/hr.

↗

United States Resources

Medication calculations (IV Flow Rates) PDF p.2

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Shows gtt/min calculation from mL/hr using drop factor and dividing by 60 minutes per hour (supports rearranging to mL/hr from gtt/min).

↗

Australia Resources

Drug Calculations PDF p.1

Flinders University – Student Learning Support Service

Includes IV drip-rate equations and core volume/time/rate relationships used in gravity infusion calculations.

↗

Drops per minute (DPM) – Worksheet PDF p.1–2

University of South Australia (UniSA)

Provides drops-per-minute formula, defines drop factor, and links infusion rate (mL/hr) with volume and time.

↗

Intravenous Infusion Calculations PDF p.1–2

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

Shows drip rate formula and worked example using drop factor and 60 min/hour conversion.

↗

United Kingdom Resources

Intravenous Drug and Fluid Administration Training – Calculation Practice Papers PDF p.25

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Includes a step-based method for converting volume and time into mL per hour before calculating drip rates; reinforces the mL/hr step used in IV calculations.

↗

International / Manufacturer Reference

Calculating Flow Rates (Gravity drip reference chart) PDF p.1–2

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Defines drop factor and provides worked example and reference chart linking mL/hr to drops/min across common drop factors.

↗

mL/hr from Drip Rate & Drop Factor Calculator

Convert an observed gravity drip rate (gtt/min) and drop factor to the equivalent infusion rate in mL/hr for IV fluid administration.

Drip Rate (gtt/min)

Enter the observed drip rate in drops per minute.

Drop Factor (gtt/mL)

Drop factor is printed on your IV tubing packaging.

Results are approximate. Always verify against medical order and local protocols.

How it works

Formula

mL/hr = (gtt/min × 60) ÷ (drop factor gtt/mL)

Worked Examples

Example 1: Convert 20 gtt/min to mL/hr using a 20 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 20 ÷ 20 = 1.00 mL/min

mL/hr = 1.00 × 60 = 60.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 60 mL/hr

Example 2: Convert 31 gtt/min to mL/hr using a 15 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 31 ÷ 15 = 2.07 mL/min

mL/hr = 2.07 × 60 = 124.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 124 mL/hr

Example 3: Convert 125 gtt/min to mL/hr using a microdrip 60 gtt/mL giving set.

mL/min = 125 ÷ 60 = 2.08 mL/min

mL/hr = 2.08 × 60 = 125.00 mL/hr

Answer: ≈ 125 mL/hr

When This Calculator Is Used

•Converting observed gravity drip rates (gtt/min) into mL/hr for charting
•Verifying gravity infusion rates match intended mL/hr orders
•Troubleshooting IV flow rate discrepancies
•Teaching IV therapy calculation principles to nursing students
•Quick reference when documenting gravity infusion rates

Related Calculators

Drip Rate from mL/hr

Reverse calculation: mL/hr to gtt/min

Volume + Time → mL/hr

Calculate mL/hr from volume and duration

15-Second Count

Quick drip rate verification method

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.

References & Sources

Canada Resources

Calculating Drop Factor with Gravity IV Infusions PDF p.1

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

Provides gravity flow equation: (mL/hr ÷ 60) × drop factor = drops/min (rounded). The calculator rearranges this to solve for mL/hr.

↗

United States Resources

Medication calculations (IV Flow Rates) PDF p.2

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Shows gtt/min calculation from mL/hr using drop factor and dividing by 60 minutes per hour (supports rearranging to mL/hr from gtt/min).

↗

Australia Resources

Drug Calculations PDF p.1

Flinders University – Student Learning Support Service

Includes IV drip-rate equations and core volume/time/rate relationships used in gravity infusion calculations.

↗

Drops per minute (DPM) – Worksheet PDF p.1–2

University of South Australia (UniSA)

Provides drops-per-minute formula, defines drop factor, and links infusion rate (mL/hr) with volume and time.

↗

Intravenous Infusion Calculations PDF p.1–2

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

Shows drip rate formula and worked example using drop factor and 60 min/hour conversion.

↗

United Kingdom Resources

Intravenous Drug and Fluid Administration Training – Calculation Practice Papers PDF p.25

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Includes a step-based method for converting volume and time into mL per hour before calculating drip rates; reinforces the mL/hr step used in IV calculations.

↗

International / Manufacturer Reference

Calculating Flow Rates (Gravity drip reference chart) PDF p.1–2

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Defines drop factor and provides worked example and reference chart linking mL/hr to drops/min across common drop factors.

↗

mL/hr from Drip Rate & Drop Factor Calculator

How it works

Formula

Worked Examples

When This Calculator Is Used

Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

QHow do I convert gtt/min to mL/hr?

QWhat is the formula for mL/hr from drip rate and drop factor?

QWhat is drop factor (gtt/mL) and where do I find it?

QWhat's the difference between macrodrip and microdrip?

QWhy do I need the drop factor to convert drops per minute to mL per hour?

QCan I use this to document an IV gravity infusion rate in mL/hr?

QIs this the same as an IV pump rate?

QWhy is my calculated mL/hr different from the ordered rate?

QShould I round the result?

QHow do I convert the result back to gtt/min?

QWhat if my drip rate is very low or very high?

QIs this calculator safe to use clinically?

References & Sources

Canada Resources

United States Resources

Australia Resources

United Kingdom Resources

International / Manufacturer Reference

mL/hr from Drip Rate & Drop Factor Calculator

How it works

Formula

Worked Examples

When This Calculator Is Used

Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

QHow do I convert gtt/min to mL/hr?

QWhat is the formula for mL/hr from drip rate and drop factor?

QWhat is drop factor (gtt/mL) and where do I find it?

QWhat's the difference between macrodrip and microdrip?

QWhy do I need the drop factor to convert drops per minute to mL per hour?

QCan I use this to document an IV gravity infusion rate in mL/hr?

QIs this the same as an IV pump rate?

QWhy is my calculated mL/hr different from the ordered rate?

QShould I round the result?

QHow do I convert the result back to gtt/min?

QWhat if my drip rate is very low or very high?

QIs this calculator safe to use clinically?

References & Sources

Canada Resources

United States Resources

Australia Resources

United Kingdom Resources

International / Manufacturer Reference