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Pediatrics

Maintenance IV Fluids Calculator

Calculate hourly maintenance fluids with the 4-2-1 rule.

Patient weight

kg

FORMULA4 mL/kg (first 10 kg) + 2 mL/kg (next 10 kg) + 1 mL/kg (each kg above 20)

Maintenance formulas are starting points. Adjust for illness, losses, and cardiac or renal status per the ordered plan.

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Quick reference

What this calculator is for

Estimates hourly and daily maintenance fluid requirements from weight using the 4-2-1 rule and the Holliday–Segar method.

Commonly used for

Pediatric fluid planning
Order double checks
Peds study

Keep in mind

Maintenance formulas are starting points. Illness, fever, losses, and cardiac or renal status change fluid needs — follow the ordered plan.

Education & reference only

Always verify calculations and clinical decisions with institutional protocols and qualified clinical judgment.

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