Pediatric IV Fluid Calculator

Maintenance (Holliday-Segar / 4-2-1), crystalloid bolus, and deficit replacement for children. Clinical reference for OPD, ward, and emergency use.

Author: Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS Reviewed: 2026-07 Audience: Clinicians Privacy: On-device only

How FluidCalc works

Maintenance — Holliday-Segar (daily)

  • First 10 kg: 100 mL/kg/day
  • Next 10 kg (11–20 kg): 50 mL/kg/day
  • Each kg above 20: 20 mL/kg/day

Hourly rate — 4-2-1 rule

  • First 10 kg: 4 mL/kg/h
  • Next 10 kg: 2 mL/kg/h
  • Each kg above 20: 1 mL/kg/h

Bolus

Default options 10 or 20 mL/kg crystalloid. Reassess perfusion after each bolus; follow sepsis/shock pathways for repeats and blood products.

Deficit

Approximate volume deficit ≈ % dehydration × weight (kg) × 10 mL. Replace per protocol (often over 24 h with maintenance), adjusting for ongoing losses.

About this tool

Authored and maintained by Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS, practising physician and developer of PediaRx. Methods follow Holliday–Segar maintenance, AAP/IAP/WHO fluid-therapy teaching, and standard shock/dehydration protocols.

Calculations run entirely in the browser. No patient data is transmitted or stored. Intended for qualified clinicians; verify against local hospital protocols and formulary.

Primary practice context: India Drug dose calculator About PediaRx

Common questions

What is the Holliday-Segar pediatric maintenance fluid rule?

100 mL/kg/day for the first 10 kg, 50 mL/kg/day for the next 10 kg, and 20 mL/kg/day for each kg above 20. The hourly 4-2-1 rule is the same math.

How do I calculate a pediatric fluid bolus?

A common crystalloid bolus is 10–20 mL/kg of isotonic fluid, given rapidly and then reassessed. Use local shock/sepsis protocols for volume and repeats.

Who built FluidCalc on PediaRx?

Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS — practising physician; sole developer and clinical author of PediaRx.

Does FluidCalc collect patient data?

No. Weight and dehydration percent stay on your device. Calculations run locally.

Clinical disclaimer: Reference tool for qualified professionals only. Neonatal fluids, DKA, SIADH, burns, and ICU regimes need specialist protocols. Verify every plan before starting IV fluids.