Veterinary drugs are dosed per kilogram of body weight. Dose (mg/kg) times weight gives the milligrams; dividing by the concentration gives the volume to draw up.
The example
5 mg/kg, 24 kg dog.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 5 × 24 | 120 mg |
| 3 | ÷ 50 mg/mL | → 2.4 mL |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Multiply the dose (mg/kg) by the weight (kg) for the total milligrams.
- Divide by the product concentration (mg/mL) for the volume to draw up.
- Convert pounds to kg first (÷ 2.2046) if the weight is in pounds.
- Cross-check against the label dose range — never exceed the max.
Educational use only — not veterinary or medical advice. Dosing, fluid rates, and protocols must be set and verified by a licensed veterinarian for the individual patient. Always double-check against the drug label and a current formulary.
Try it: interactive demo
Dose (mg/kg), weight (kg), concentration (mg/mL).
Variations
Volume to give
mg ÷ concentration:
Pounds to kg
Convert weight:
Tablets needed
By tablet strength:
Pitfalls & errors
kg, not lb. Convert pounds to kilograms before dosing.
Concentration. Divide mg by the product’s mg/mL for volume.
Not advice. A veterinarian must verify every dose.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a drug dose by weight in Excel?
How do I get the volume to inject?
How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
Stop fighting formulas. Learn them in a day.
This recipe is one of hundreds of real-world formulas we teach. Our Excel Formulas & Functions class covers lookups, logic, text, and dynamic arrays hands-on — live in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class