Fluids & Resuscitation

Intake and Output Balance Calculator

Net fluid balance for a shift or 24 hours.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

Turn on JavaScript to use this calculator, or open it in the web app.

Formula

Balance = intake − output

How it is used

• Intake includes oral fluids, IV fluids and medications, tube feeds and flushes; output includes urine, emesis, drains, stool and insensible losses when estimated.
• Positive balances matter in heart and kidney failure; negative balances matter in dehydration, burns and gastrointestinal losses.
• Daily weights are the most reliable measure of fluid change: 1 kg is about 1 L.

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• DKA and HHSChart one row per hour: time, glucose and its change, insulin units/h, dextrose concentration and rate, other fluids, potassium added, intake, urine output, running balance, GCS, and labs as they return with calculated effective osmolality and corrected sodium. One page (the ISPAD hourly flow chart; JBDS plots for HHS) makes a stalled BOHB fall or a too-fast osmolality drop visible early. For transport, keep insulin and dextrose on pumps, carry a meter and the latest K⁺, and keep checking glucose hourly.
• Shock Types at a Glance
• Sepsis and Septic Shock Bundle

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• Maintenance Fluids (4-2-1 Rule)

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.