Blood Volume Estimator

Calculate total circulating blood volume for neonates, infants, children, and adolescents. Useful for transfusion planning, blood loss estimates, and resuscitation.

Children: 70–80 mL/kg.

Optional: used to estimate red cell mass.

Results

Total blood volume

1500 mL

(≈ 1.50 L)

Red cell volume

570 mL

Based on hematocrit 38%.

Plasma volume

930 mL

Useful for estimating replacement fluids.

Use patient-specific factors (cardiac disease, anemia, obesity) to adjust volumes. Neonates may require more precise measurements.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Select the correct age category

Blood volume (mL/kg) decreases with age; use the best match for your patient.

2

Enter accurate weight

Weight strongly influences blood volume; use recent measured weight.

3

Optional: Add hematocrit

Estimate red cell mass for transfusion planning or exchange transfusion calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is blood volume higher in neonates?

Neonates have higher plasma volume relative to size to support rapid growth and oxygen delivery.

How do I estimate blood loss?

Blood loss (%) = (Estimated blood loss / total blood volume) × 100. Consider transfusion if loss >15–20%.

When is hematocrit required?

Helpful for exchange transfusion, ECMO priming, or massive transfusion calculations.

Do obese children need adjustments?

Consider lean body weight factors; obesity reduces mL/kg blood volume.

Can I use this for adults?

Adult factors differ (men ~70 mL/kg, women ~65 mL/kg). Use adult-specific calculators.