# GIR Calculator (Glucose Infusion Rate)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/gir/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The GIR calculator works out the glucose infusion rate in mg/kg/min from the dextrose concentration, infusion rate and weight – used in neonatal and paediatric intensive care to manage blood sugar and nutrition.

## Inputs

- Dextrose concentration (%)
- Infusion rate (mL/h)
- Weight (kg, lb, st, g)
- Second infusion – dextrose (%)
- Second infusion – rate (mL/h)

## Results

- Glucose infusion rate
- Glucose per day
- Calories from glucose

## Formula

```
GIR (mg/kg/min) = dextrose % × rate (mL/h) × 10 ÷ (60 × weight kg)
= dextrose % × rate (mL/h) ÷ (6 × weight)
```

## Explanation

Newborns need a steady supply of glucose: a GIR of 4–6 mg/kg/min matches the liver's glucose production in term babies. Higher rates may be needed for hypoglycaemia, while very high rates risk high blood sugar and liver fat.

### How to use the GIR Calculator

- **Dextrose concentration**
- **Infusion rate**
- **Weight**
- **Second infusion – dextrose**
- **Second infusion – rate**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the dextrose concentration, infusion rate and weight; add a second infusion if there is one.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterDextrose concentrationIn %Infusion rateIn mL/hWeightUnits: kg, lb, st, gSecond infusion – dextroseIn %Second infusion – rateIn mL/h

### What each result means

- **Glucose infusion rate** = ([Dextrose concentration]×[Infusion rate] + [Second infusion – dextrose]×[Second infusion – rate])÷(6×[Weight])
- **Glucose per day** = [Glucose infusion rate]×[Weight]×1440÷1000
- **Calories from glucose** = [Glucose per day]×3.4

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Dextrose concentration** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Dextrose concentration (%)Glucose infusion rate (mg/kg/min)52.47.53.6104.812.56157.1209.5
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Dextrose concentration: 10 %; Infusion rate: 10 mL/h; Weight: 3.5 kg; Second infusion – dextrose: 0 %; Second infusion – rate: 0 mL/h.

Results — **Glucose infusion rate = 4.8 mg/kg/min**; Glucose per day = 24 g/day; Calories from glucose = 82 kcal/day.

## Key terms

- **GIR**: Glucose infusion rate.

## FAQ

**What is a normal GIR for a newborn?**
About 4–6 mg/kg/min for term and 6–8 for preterm babies.

**Why 3.4 kcal per gram?**
Dextrose monohydrate in IV fluids provides 3.4 kcal/g.

**What is the maximum dextrose in a peripheral line?**
Usually 12.5%; higher concentrations need a central line.


## Sources

- [Thornton PS et al. Pediatric Endocrine Society recommendations for neonatal hypoglycemia. J Pediatr, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25957977/)