Tube Feeding Calculator
1.0 kcal/mL (Standard)
1.2 kcal/mL
1.5 kcal/mL (High Calorie)
2.0 kcal/mL (Renal/Fluid Restricted)
Total Formula Volume:
–
Pump Rate Setting:
–
Total Calories Provided:
–
How to Calculate Tube Feeding Rates
Enteral nutrition, commonly known as tube feeding, requires precise calculations to ensure a patient meets their daily nutritional requirements without exceeding fluid tolerances. This calculator helps clinicians and caregivers determine the correct pump rate (mL/hr) or bolus volume based on the prescribed caloric load and formula density.
Understanding the Inputs
- Total Daily Calories (kcal): The energy requirement determined by a dietitian or physician (usually based on equations like Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor).
- Caloric Density (kcal/mL): Enteral formulas come in various concentrations. Standard formulas are 1.0 kcal/mL. Fluid-restricted or high-protein patients may use 1.5 or 2.0 kcal/mL formulas.
- Continuous Feeding: Formula is administered slowly via a pump over a set number of hours (usually 20 to 24 hours).
- Bolus Feeding: Larger volumes are administered via syringe or gravity bag several times a day, mimicking normal meal patterns.
The Formulas
To calculate the tube feeding settings manually, follow these two steps:
Step 1: Calculate Total Volume
First, determine how many milliliters of formula are required to meet the caloric goal.
Total Volume (mL) = Daily Caloric Goal / Caloric Density
Step 2: Calculate Rate or Bolus Amount
Depending on the method of administration, divide the total volume by time or frequency.
For Continuous Feeding (mL/hr):
Pump Rate = Total Volume / Hours of infusion
For Bolus Feeding (mL/feed):
Volume per Feed = Total Volume / Number of Feeds per Day
Example Calculation
Imagine a patient requires 1,800 kcal per day using a standard 1.2 kcal/mL formula.
- Total Volume: 1800 / 1.2 = 1,500 mL of formula per day.
- Continuous Scenario: If running over 20 hours: 1,500 / 20 = 75 mL/hr.
- Bolus Scenario: If feeding 5 times a day: 1,500 / 5 = 300 mL per feed.
Important Considerations
Always verify calculations with the prescribing physician or a registered dietitian. These calculations determine the volume of the formula only; they do not account for free water flushes which are often required to prevent dehydration and keep the feeding tube patent.