Calculating mixtures & solutions

Step 1 of 3

Write down the 'dose to be given' (the dose written on the prescription).

Use this formula:

Note: The formula for calculating the amount of fluid for an

injection is the same as for mixtures and solutions.
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Calculating mixtures & solutions

Step 2 of 3
Check the 'strength per volume' of the solution available. You need to know:
a) the 'stock strength', and
b) the 'stock volume' that contains that strength.

Remember the formula:

Hint: If the stock label says ' 500 mg in 10 ml' or 500mg/10 ml', this means the
'strength per volume' is 500 mg per 10 ml, ie:
- 500 mg is the 'stock strength'
- 10 ml is the 'stock volume' (the amount of solution that contains the stock strength).

In this case each 10 ml of the solution contains 500 mg of the drug.

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 Calculating mixtures & solutions

Step 3 of 3
Before you do the calculation, the units of weight (grams & milligrams) need to be
expressed in the same units (eg both must be grams or milligrams).

The calculation will be easier if you always convert the larger unit (eg grams) so that it
is the same as the smaller unit (eg milligrams).

The formula so far:

Convert grams to milligrams (2 g = 2000 mg)

If you are not sure how to do conversions, go to the 'Metric conversion' page.

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