Formula reference

IV drip rate formula (gtt/min)

gtt/min = (Volume × Drop factor) ÷ Time (min)

For gravity infusions, multiply the volume by the tubing drop factor (gtt/mL) and divide by the time in minutes. Round to whole drops because you cannot count part of a drop.

What each part means

VolumeTotal volume to infuse (mL)
Drop factorDrops per mL for the tubing (10, 15, 20, or 60)
TimeInfusion time in minutes

Worked example

1000 mL over 8 hr with 15 gtt/mL tubing: (1000 × 15) ÷ 480 = 31.25 ≈ 31 gtt/min.