basic

Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator

Deficit (mEq) = 0.5 · weight (kg) · (24 − measured HCO₃).

Estimate the bicarbonate deficit needed to correct a metabolic acidosis to a target HCO₃ of 24 mEq/L: deficit = 0.5 · weight (kg) · (target − measured HCO₃). Use cautiously and reassess.

Priya Venkatesan By Priya Venkatesan
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

kg
mEq/L
mEq/L

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

HCO₃ deficit (mEq) = 0.5 · weight · (target − HCO₃)

In depth

Estimate the bicarbonate deficit needed to correct a metabolic acidosis to a target HCO₃ of 24 mEq/L: deficit = 0.5 · weight (kg) · (target − measured HCO₃). Use cautiously and reassess.