Maintenance Fluids Calculator — Accurate IV Fluid Requirements

Maintenance Fluids Calculator

Calculate daily maintenance fluid requirements for patients based on weight, age, and clinical condition. Get precise IV fluid calculations for medical use.

Step 1: Patient Information

4-2-1 Rule

For the first 10 kg: 4 mL/kg/h. For the next 10 kg: 2 mL/kg/h. For each kg above 20 kg: 1 mL/kg/h. This is the standard Holliday-Segar formula for maintenance fluids.

Step 2: Fluid Requirements

Clinical Considerations

Adjust fluid rates for fever (add 10-15% per °C above 37°C), burns, drainage losses, renal impairment, and cardiac conditions. Always monitor electrolytes.

Maintenance Fluids Calculation Results

Summary
Infusion Rates
Electrolytes

Total Daily Fluid Requirement

2,650 mL
Hourly Rate: 110 mL/h
Hourly Rate
110 mL/h
Daily Volume
2,650 mL
Na+ Requirement
70 mmol/day
K+ Requirement
40 mmol/day

Infusion Rate Guidelines

Hourly Rate
110 mL/h
Standard infusion
8-Hour Rate
880 mL
Per 8-hour shift
12-Hour Rate
1,320 mL
Per 12-hour shift
Bolus Option
550 mL
Every 5 hours

Infusion Guidelines

For adults: Standard maintenance fluids at 1-2 mL/kg/h. Adjust for clinical condition. Monitor urine output (0.5-1 mL/kg/h) and vital signs regularly.

Weight Category Hourly Rate Daily Total Common IV Set
10 kg (Child) 40 mL/h 960 mL Micro-drip (60 gtt/mL)
20 kg (Child) 60 mL/h 1,440 mL Macro-drip (20 gtt/mL)
70 kg (Adult) 110 mL/h 2,650 mL Macro-drip (15 gtt/mL)
100 kg (Adult) 140 mL/h 3,360 mL Infusion Pump

Electrolyte Requirements

Electrolyte Calculation Formula

Standard Maintenance Electrolytes

Sodium: 2-3 mmol/kg/day. Potassium: 1-2 mmol/kg/day. Chloride: Follows sodium. Adjust based on serum levels, renal function, and clinical condition.

Electrolyte Daily Requirement In 1L Normal Saline In 1L RL
Sodium (Na+) 2-3 mmol/kg 154 mmol 130 mmol
Potassium (K+) 1-2 mmol/kg 0 mmol 4 mmol
Chloride (Cl-) 2-3 mmol/kg 154 mmol 109 mmol
Calcium (Ca2+) 0.2-0.3 mmol/kg 0 mmol 1.5 mmol

Need Professional Medical Advice?

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical decisions regarding fluid management and patient care.

Medical Disclaimer