Free Water Deficit Calculator

Advanced clinical tool estimating free water needs from hypernatremia inputs with configurable target sodium replacement horizon and patient factors includes unit conversions step by step math safety alerts and therapy planning guidance for hospital wards emergency care and veterinary contexts with clear calculations reproducible outputs and printable summary plus flow rate suggestions for infusion

Input

mEq/L
mEq/L
fraction
If set, overrides defaults. Typical: adult male 0.60, adult female 0.50, elderly male 0.50, elderly female 0.45, child 0.60.
hours
L
Estimate additional free water needed for losses during the correction window.

What is Free Water Deficit?

Free water deficit describes the volume of pure water required to reduce an elevated serum sodium toward a chosen target without changing total body solute. It is estimated from total body water and the ratio between measured sodium and target sodium. Because total body water varies with age sex and body composition, estimations often use weight based fractions. Clinically, the deficit guides hypotonic fluid replacement and helps plan safe correction rates. Rapid correction risks cerebral edema while inadequate replacement prolongs hypernatremia and dehydration. Typical practice replaces a portion initially then completes the remaining volume over twenty four to forty eight hours while monitoring electrolytes urine output and ongoing losses. Calculators support transparent math and documentation but cannot replace clinical judgment.

Results

Enter values and press Calculate to see the deficit, suggested average rate, and detailed math.

FAQs

How is free water deficit calculated?
The common estimate is TBW × ((Na / Target Na) − 1) where TBW is total body water in liters.
Which TBW fraction should I use?
Defaults are provided by age and sex. You may override with a custom fraction based on clinical context or institutional protocols.
Should ongoing losses be included?
Yes. Gastrointestinal, renal, or insensible losses during the correction window increase replacement requirements.
What correction rate is considered safe?
Many references advise limiting sodium correction to roughly 10 mEq/L per 24 hours for chronic hypernatremia. Always follow local guidelines and specialist advice.
What fluids correct free water?
Hypotonic options such as enteral water or parenteral dextrose solutions provide free water; selection depends on clinical status and monitoring capabilities.
Can this tool be used for children?
Yes, a child TBW fraction is available. Pediatric dosing and monitoring require age-appropriate care standards.
Does obesity change TBW?
Higher adiposity reduces water as a proportion of body weight. Consider lowering the TBW fraction or using alternative formulas validated for obesity.
Is maintenance fluid included?
No. The rate shown addresses deficit plus any entered losses. Maintenance requirements should be considered separately.

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.