Marshalltown Community College

Dose Calculation, IV, Conversion Formulas

Conversions within Metric system1. Metric: L to S =

decimal 3 spaces R
(or multiply by 1000)

2. Metric: S to L =

decimal 3 spaces L
(or divide by 1000)

Conversions between measurement systems3. Grains to Milligrams

= X 60

(1 grain = 60 mg)

4. Milligrams to Grains

= 60

(60 mg = 1 grain)

5. Grams to Grains

= X 15

(1 gram = 15 grain)

6. Grains to Grams

(15 grain = 1 gram)

15

7. Change lbs to kg =

divide by 2.2

(2.2 # is = 1 kilogram)

8. Change kg to lbs =

multiply by 2.2

(1 kilogram = 2.2 #)

9. Change F to C =

subtract 32 1.8

10.Change C to F =

multiply by 1.8 +

32

11.Dose Calculation Formula 1: Ratio and Proportion Method

H (on hand) : V (vehicle) :: D (desired) : X (unknown)
12.Dose Calculation Formula 2:
D (desired dose)
H (on hand)

V (vehicle, drug form)

13.IV Calculation Formula 1: Milliliters per hour

Number of ml
Number of hr

= ml/hr

14.IV Calculation Formula 2: Infusion rates for other than 1 hour

Total volume (ml) to infuse X 60 min/hr
Time (minutes)

ml/hr

15.IV Calculation Formula 3: Drops per minute

Total volume (ml) to infuse X drop factor (gtt/ml)
Time (minutes)
= gtt/min