Nursing

Nurse Math Calculators
Calculators to solve nursing math problems with formulas and examples included. Each calculator, along with examples and formulas, provides a unique way to review nursing math.
GlobalRPH
Additional and more specific dosage calculators are available at GlobalRPH.
Nurse Math Cheat Sheet
All the nurse math medication and IV formulas listed on one page to study from.

Apothecary, Household, Metric Equivalents, IV Infusions

Liquid

oz ←→ mL

  • 1 = 30
  • ½ = 15

dram ←→ mL

  • 2½ = 10
  • 2 = 8
  • 1¼ = 5
  • 1 = 4

others

  • 1 min = 1 gtt
  • 1 T (tbsp) = 15 mL
  • 1 t (tsp) = 5 mL
  • 1 mL = 1 cc

minim ←→ mL

  • 45 = 3
  • 30 = 2
  • 15 = 1
  • 12 = 0.75
  • 10 = 0.6
  • 8 = 0.5
  • 5 = 0.3
  • 4 = 0.25
  • 3 = 0.2
  • 1½ = 0.1
  • 1 = 0.06
  • ¾ = 0.05
  • ½ = 0.03

Weight

grain ←→ mg

  • 15 = 1000
  • 10 = 600
  • 7½ = 500
  • 5 = 300
  • 4 = 250
  • 3 = 200
  • 2½ = 150
  • 2 = 120
  • 1½ = 100
  • 1 = 60
  • ¾ = 45
  • ½ = 30
  • ⅓ = 20
  • ¼ = 15
  • ⅙ = 10
  • ⅛ = 8
  • 1⁄10 = 6
  • 1⁄15 = 4
  • 1⁄20 = 3
  • 1⁄30 = 2
  • 1⁄40 = 1.5
  • 1⁄60 = 1
  • 1⁄100 = 0.6
  • 1⁄120 = 0.5
  • 1⁄150 = 0.4
  • 1⁄200 = 0.3
  • 1⁄250 = 0.25

List of Common Drug Infusions and How They Are Given

Medication Dosage
Aminophylline 0.5–0.7 mg/kg/hr
Amrinone 5–15 mcg/kg/min
Amiodarone 0.5 mg/min × 24 hrs
Bretylium 1–2 mg/min
Diltiazem 5–15 mg/hr
Dobutamine 2–20 mcg/kg/min
Dopamine 1–20 mcg/kg/min
Epinephrine 2–10 mcg/min
Esmolol 0.05 mg/kg/min
Isoproterenol 2–10 mcg/min
Labetalol 2–8 mcg/min
Lidocaine 30–50 mcg/kg/min or
2–4 mg/min
Magnesium SO4 0.5–1 g/hr × 24 hrs
Nitroglycerin 10 - 20 mcg/min
Nitroprusside 0.1–5 mcg/kg/min
Norepinephrine 0.5–30 mcg/min
Procainamide 1–4 mg/min
This page is intended for educational purposes. The author of this page has carefully checked that the dosage information on this page is accurate and in accord with the standards accepted at the time this page was printed. Readers are advised, however, to check the product information currently provided by the manufacturer to be certain that changes have not been made in the recommended dose. The author cannot be responsible for misuse or misapplication of the material on this site.

References

Many of the formulas used in the calculators were obtained from:

Drug information obtained from: