Basal Bolus Calculator

Estimate basal and bolus needs using structured inputs. Review carb ratios, corrections, and daily splits. Always confirm doses with your clinician before any changes.

Before you calculate: Use this page only for clinician-supervised education. It is not for emergencies, personal prescriptions, or independent dose changes.

Calculator Inputs

The page layout stays single-column overall, while the input grid becomes three columns on large screens, two on medium screens, and one on mobile.

Example Data Table

The example below shows how the estimator behaves with common supervised planning inputs.

Weight Factor TDD Basal % Basal Units Meal Carbs ICR Current / Target Glucose Estimated Meal Dose
70 kg 0.5 U/kg 35 units 50% 17.5 units 60 g 1:14.3 185 / 110 mg/dL 6.0 units
82 kg 0.4 U/kg 32.8 units 45% 14.8 units 45 g 1:15.2 160 / 100 mg/dL 4.0 units
90 kg Manual 54 units 54 units 40% 21.6 units 75 g 1:9.3 220 / 110 mg/dL 10.5 units

Formula Used

Core equations

  • Total Daily Dose = weight in kg × selected starting factor, or manual TDD.
  • Basal Daily Insulin = Total Daily Dose × basal percentage.
  • Bolus Daily Insulin = Total Daily Dose − Basal Daily Insulin.
  • Average Bolus per Meal = Bolus Daily Insulin ÷ meals per day.

Meal and correction equations

  • Rapid-acting ICR = 500 ÷ TDD.
  • Regular insulin ICR = 450 ÷ TDD.
  • Rapid-acting ISF = 1800 ÷ TDD.
  • Regular insulin ISF = 1500 ÷ TDD.
  • Carb Dose = meal carbohydrates ÷ ICR.
  • Correction Dose = (current glucose − target glucose) ÷ ISF.
  • Total Meal Dose = carb dose + correction dose, then round safely.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Choose whether to start from body weight or from an existing total daily dose.
  2. Enter weight and a clinician-approved factor, or enter the manual daily total.
  3. Select a basal percentage between 40% and 50%.
  4. Choose meal insulin type, meals per day, carbohydrates, and glucose values.
  5. Press the calculate button to show results above the form.
  6. Review the basal split, carb ratio, sensitivity factor, and rounded meal estimate.
  7. Use CSV or PDF export to save the visible summary.
  8. Confirm every dosing change with your clinician before using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does basal insulin represent here?

Basal insulin is the background portion of the total daily dose. This tool lets you split it as 40%, 45%, or 50% of the daily total for planning.

2) What is the difference between basal and bolus insulin?

Basal insulin covers background needs across the day. Bolus insulin covers food and glucose corrections around meals. A basal-bolus regimen uses both parts together.

3) Why does the calculator offer both weight and manual modes?

Weight mode helps estimate a starting daily total. Manual mode is useful when a clinician has already assigned a total daily dose and only wants the split, ratio, and correction math.

4) What does the 500 rule do?

The 500 rule estimates how many grams of carbohydrate one unit of rapid-acting insulin may cover. It provides a starting insulin-to-carb ratio, not a final personal setting.

5) What does the 1800 rule do?

The 1800 rule estimates how much one unit of rapid-acting insulin may lower glucose in mg/dL. It is a starting sensitivity factor for clinician review.

6) Why is my correction dose zero when glucose is low?

Low glucose needs its own treatment plan. The calculator suppresses positive correction logic in low ranges because rescue treatment and dosing decisions need immediate clinical guidance.

7) Can I use this calculator for independent dose changes?

No. The page is built for supervised education and documentation. Individual treatment changes should be based on a personalized diabetes plan and professional review.

8) What should I export with the CSV or PDF buttons?

Export the final summary after you review the inputs, warnings, and rounded meal estimate. The file is useful for chart notes, training, or discussing options with a clinician.

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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.