Pediatric Maintenance Fluid Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on these results.
The standard method for estimating a child's fluid needs
Published in 1957, the Holliday-Segar method remains the standard reference formula for estimating basic maintenance IV fluid requirements in children, using body weight in three tiers.
Worked example
For a 25 kg child:
Rate = 40 (first 10kg) + 20 (next 10kg) + 5 (remaining 5kg) = 65.0 mL/hr (1,560.0 mL/day)
| Weight Tier | Rate |
|---|---|
| First 10 kg | 4 mL/kg/hr |
| Next 10 kg (10-20 kg) | 2 mL/kg/hr |
| Each kg above 20 kg | 1 mL/kg/hr |
This formula estimates basic metabolic maintenance fluid needs only - it does not account for ongoing losses (fever, vomiting, diarrhea) or existing dehydration deficits, which must be assessed and added separately. This is an informational tool only - pediatric fluid management must always be determined and supervised by a qualified healthcare provider.