IV fluid osmolarity

Name: IV fluid osmolarity
Creator: Osmolar

Osmolarity of crystalloids and admixtures, with a reference table from NS to 23.4% NaCl.

IV fluids osmolarity table

Osmolarity as printed on each manufacturer’s label, with composition and the exact source. Values differ slightly between manufacturers; always use your own product’s label.

Dataset: v1.1.7
Checked: 2026-10-18
Records: 66 sourced, 2 gaps

Saline

Saline: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (7 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (Viaflex)0.9% (9 g/L)US	Baxter	308	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 154 mEq/L, Cl 154 mEq/L	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP0.9%US	B. Braun	310	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 154 mEq/L, Cl 154 mEq/L	5.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note B. Braun labels 310 mOsm/L vs 308 on Baxter/Hospira/ICU Medical/Fresenius labels for the same 154 mEq/L Na and Cl.
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP0.9%US	Hospira (Pfizer)	308	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 154 mEq/L, Cl 154 mEq/L	5.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
0.9% saline0.9%AU (study)	not stated in source	286	mOsm/kg	Measured	Na 154 mmol/L, Cl 154 mmol/L	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 286 mOsm/kg vs labeled calculated 308 mOsm/L. Same paper: theoretical osmolarity 308; text gives calculated in vivo osmolality 285 (osmotic coefficient 0.926).
0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (Viaflex)0.45% (4.5 g/L)US	Baxter	154	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection USP0.45%US	B. Braun	155	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	5.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 155 vs 154 mOsm/L on Baxter/Hospira labels.
0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP0.45%US	Hospira (Pfizer)	154	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	5.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Hypertonic saline

Hypertonic saline: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (6 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
3% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP3% (30 g/L)US	Baxter	1,027	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 513 mEq/L, Cl 513 mEq/L	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
3% Sodium Chloride Injection USP3%US	B. Braun	1,030	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 513 mEq/L, Cl 513 mEq/L	5.8	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 1030 vs Baxter 1027 mOsm/L.
5% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% (50 g/L)US	Baxter	1,711	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 856 mEq/L, Cl 856 mEq/L	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note The extracted SPL table text repeats '30' in the g/L column for the 5% row; g/L not recorded from this table.
5% Sodium Chloride Injection USP5%US	B. Braun	1,710	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 856 mEq/L, Cl 856 mEq/L	—	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 1710 vs Baxter 1711 mOsm/L.
Sodium chloride 2%ES	Fresenius Kabi	636	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sodium chloride 2%ES	Fresenius Kabi	660	mOsm/L	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dextrose

Dextrose: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (7 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
Dextrose Injection 5%, USP (D5W)5% (50 g/L dextrose hydrous)US	Baxter	252	mOsm/L	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 5 g/100 mL	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose Injection USP5%US	B. Braun	250	mOsm/L	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 5 g/100 mL	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 250 (B. Braun) vs 252 (Baxter, ICU Medical) vs 253 (Hospira) for 50 g/L dextrose hydrous.
5% Dextrose Injection, USP5% (50 mg/mL)US	Hospira (Pfizer)	253	mOsm/L	Labeled	Dextrose hydrous 5 g/100 mL	4.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Dextrose Injection 10%, USP (D10W)10% (100 g/L)US	Baxter	505	mOsm/L	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 10 g/100 mL	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
10% Dextrose Injection USP10%US	B. Braun	505	mOsm/L	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 10 g/100 mL	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
25% Dextrose Injection, USP (syringe)25% (250 mg/mL)US	Hospira (Pfizer)	1.39	mOsm/mL	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 0.25 g/mL	3.2-6.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note Per-mL value as labeled (1.39 mOsm/mL = 1390 mOsm/L by unit conversion).
50% Dextrose Injection, USP50% (500 mg/mL)US	Hospira (Pfizer)	2.53	mOsm/mL	Calculated	Dextrose hydrous 0.5 g/mL	3.2-6.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 2.53 mOsm/mL = 2530 mOsm/L by unit conversion; ICU Medical D50 label gives 2523 mOsm/L (see tpn_components).

Dextrose–saline

Dextrose–saline: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (13 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium ChlorideUS	Baxter	560	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 154 mEq/L, Cl 154 mEq/L	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium ChlorideUS	Baxter	406	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium ChlorideUS	Baxter	365	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 56 mEq/L, Cl 56 mEq/L	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium ChlorideUS	Baxter	321	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 34 mEq/L, Cl 34 mEq/L	4.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
2.5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP2.5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium ChlorideUS	Baxter	280	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	4.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	560	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 154 mEq/L, Cl 154 mEq/L	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection USP5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	405	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium Chloride Injection USP5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	365	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 56 mEq/L, Cl 56 mEq/L	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection USP5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	320	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 34 mEq/L, Cl 34 mEq/L	4.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
10% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection USP10% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	660	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 77 mEq/L, Cl 77 mEq/L	4.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
10% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection USP10% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	575	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 34 mEq/L, Cl 34 mEq/L	4.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
3.3% Dextrose and 0.3% Sodium Chloride Injection USP3.3% Dextrose and 0.3% Sodium ChlorideUS	B. Braun	270	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 51 mEq/L, Cl 51 mEq/L	4.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5% Dextrose and 0.225% Sodium Chloride Injection, USPD5 0.225% NaClUS	Fresenius Kabi	329	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 38.5 mEq/L, Cl 38.5 mEq/L	4.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 'D5 1/4NS' is sold as 0.2% NaCl (Baxter/B. Braun: 320-321 mOsm/L, 34 mEq/L Na) and as 0.225% NaCl (this label: 329, 38.5 mEq/L). Distinct products; do not merge.

Balanced crystalloids

Balanced crystalloids: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (13 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
Lactated Ringer's Injection, USPLRUS	Baxter	273	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 130 mEq/L, K 4 mEq/L, Ca 2.7 mEq/L, Cl 109 mEq/L, Lactate 28 mEq/L	6.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Lactated Ringer's Injection USPLRUS	B. Braun	274	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 130 mEq/L, K 4 mEq/L, Ca 3 mEq/L, Cl 109 mEq/L, Lactate 28 mEq/L	6.2	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 274 mOsm/L and Ca 3 mEq/L vs Baxter/Fresenius 273 and 2.7 (same g/L formula; rounding).
Lactated Ringer's Injection, USPLRUS	Fresenius Kabi	273	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 130 mEq/L, K 4 mEq/L, Ca 2.7 mEq/L, Cl 109 mEq/L, Lactate 28 mEq/L	6.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Ringer's lactate (Baxter, Deerfield IL)LRUS (study)	Baxter (per source footnote)	256	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 256 mOsm/kg vs labeled calculated 273 mOsm/L; same table gives theoretical osmolarity 273.
Hartmann's / Ringer's lactate (class statement)LR / CSLn/a	n/a	≈ 254	mOsm/kg	Calculated	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note The commonly quoted '~254' is a CALCULATED in vivo tonicity. The same paper's Table 1 gives MEASURED (freezing point) 256 mOsm/kg for both Baxter LR and Baxter Hartmann's.
Compound Sodium Lactate Solution for Infusion BP (Hartmann's)CSLUK	Baxter	≈ 278	mOsm/L	Labeled	Na 131 mmol/L, K 5 mmol/L, Ca 2 mmol/L, Cl 111 mmol/L, Lactate 29 mmol/L	5.0-7.0	www.medicines.org.uk Note Calcium 2 mmol/L = 4 mEq/L. UK Hartmann's differs from US LR (Na 131 vs 130, K 5 vs 4, Cl 111 vs 109, lactate 29 vs 28) and is labeled 278 (approx.) vs 273.
Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann's), Baxter Toongabie NSWCSLAU (study)	Baxter (per source footnote)	256	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Same table gives theoretical osmolarity 278 mOsm/L.
PLASMA-LYTE A Injection pH 7.4 (Multiple Electrolytes Injection, Type 1, USP)Plasma-Lyte AUS	Baxter	294	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 140 mEq/L, K 5 mEq/L, Mg 3 mEq/L, Cl 98 mEq/L, Acetate 27 mEq/L, Gluconate 23 mEq/L	7.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Plasma-Lyte 148 (pH 7.4) solution for infusionPlasma-Lyte 148UK	Baxter	≈ 295	mOsm/L	Labeled	Na 140 mmol/L, K 5 mmol/L, Mg 1.5 mmol/L, Cl 98 mmol/L, Acetate 27 mmol/L, Gluconate 23 mmol/L	7.4	www.medicines.org.uk Note UK 295 (approx.) vs US Plasma-Lyte A 294 (calc); same composition (Mg 1.5 mmol/L = 3 mEq/L).
Plasma-Lyte 148 (Baxter, Toongabie NSW)Plasma-Lyte 148AU (study)	Baxter (per source footnote)	271	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 271 mOsm/kg vs theoretical 295 mOsm/L in the same table.
Normosol-RNormosol-RUS	ICU Medical	294	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 140 mEq/L, K 5 mEq/L, Mg 3 mEq/L, Cl 98 mEq/L, Acetate 27 mEq/L, Gluconate 23 mEq/L	6.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Normosol-R pH 7.4Normosol-R pH 7.4US	ICU Medical	295	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 140 mEq/L, K 5 mEq/L, Mg 3 mEq/L, Cl 98 mEq/L, Acetate 27 mEq/L, Gluconate 23 mEq/L	6.5-7.6	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note Same electrolytes as Normosol-R (294) but labeled 295.
Isolyte S (Multi-Electrolyte Injection)Isolyte SUS	B. Braun	295	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 140 mEq/L, K 5 mEq/L, Mg 3 mEq/L, Cl 98 mEq/L, Acetate 27 mEq/L, Gluconate 23 mEq/L	6.7	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Other crystalloids

Other crystalloids: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (2 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
Ringer's Injection, USPRinger'sUS	ICU Medical	309	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 147 mEq/L, K 4 mEq/L, Ca 4 mEq/L, Cl 155 mEq/L	5.4	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Ringer's Injection USPRinger'sUS	B. Braun	310	mOsm/L	Calculated	Na 147 mEq/L, K 4 mEq/L, Ca 4.5 mEq/L, Cl 156 mEq/L	5.8	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note Ca 4.5 / Cl 156 / 310 vs ICU Medical Ca 4 / Cl 155 / 309.

Alkalinizers

Alkalinizers: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (7 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 8.4%8.4% (1 mEq/mL)US	Hospira (Pfizer)	1.56	mOsm/mL	Labeled	Na 1 mEq/mL, HCO₃ 1 mEq/mL	7.0-8.5	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note CONFLICT: Hospira 1.56 mOsm/mL vs Fresenius Kabi and Exela 2 mOsm/mL for the same 1 mEq/mL product. 2 equals complete dissociation of 1 mmol/mL; label does not state Hospira's basis.
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 8.4%8.4% (1 mEq/mL)US	Fresenius Kabi	2	mOsm/mL	Labeled	Na 1 mEq/mL, HCO₃ 1 mEq/mL	8.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 8.4%8.4% (1 mEq/mL)US	Exela Pharma Sciences	2	mOsm/mL	Labeled	Na 1 mEq/mL, HCO₃ 1 mEq/mL	—	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 4.2%4.2% (0.5 mEq/mL)US	Hospira (Pfizer)	0.84	mOsm/mL	Labeled	Na 0.5 mEq/mL, HCO₃ 0.5 mEq/mL	8.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note CONFLICT: Hospira 0.84 vs Fresenius Kabi 1 mOsm/mL.
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 4.2%4.2% (0.5 mEq/mL)US	Fresenius Kabi	1	mOsm/mL	Labeled	Na 0.5 mEq/mL, HCO₃ 0.5 mEq/mL	8.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (Venofuyesen 1M)ES	Fresenius Kabi	1,567	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 1567 mOsm/kg supports the Hospira 1.56 mOsm/mL figure over the 2 mOsm/mL (theoretical) on Fresenius US / Exela labels.
Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (Venofuyesen 1M)ES	Fresenius Kabi	1,694	mOsm/L	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 1567 mOsm/kg supports the Hospira 1.56 mOsm/mL figure over the 2 mOsm/mL (theoretical) on Fresenius US / Exela labels.

Osmotic diuretics

Osmotic diuretics: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (7 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
20% OSMITROL (Mannitol Injection, USP)20%US	Baxter	1,098	mOsm/L	Calculated	Mannitol 20 g/100 mL	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Mannitol Injection, USP 20%20%US	ICU Medical	1,098	mOsm/L	Calculated	Mannitol 20 g/100 mL	6.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Mannitol Injection USP 20%20%US	B. Braun	1,100	mOsm/L	Calculated	Mannitol 20 g/100 mL	5.3	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note 1100 vs 1098 (Baxter, ICU Medical).
10% OSMITROL (Mannitol Injection, USP)10%US	Baxter	549	mOsm/L	Calculated	Mannitol 10 g/100 mL	5.0	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Mannitol Injection, USP 25% (vial)25% (250 mg/mL)US	Fresenius Kabi	1,372	mOsm/L	Calculated	Mannitol 25 g/100 mL	—	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Mannitol 20% (Osmofundina 20%)ES	B. Braun	1,253	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 1335 mOsm/L (density-converted) vs US labels 1098-1100 mOsm/L calculated.
Mannitol 20% (Osmofundina 20%)ES	B. Braun	1,335	mOsm/L	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note Measured 1335 mOsm/L (density-converted) vs US labels 1098-1100 mOsm/L calculated.

Colloids

Colloids: osmolarity/osmolality, composition and source (6 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Composition	pH	Source
Albumin (Human) 5%4-5%US	various	Gap: no published value	—	—	—	—	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note GAP: US DailyMed labels checked 2026-10-17 (Flexbumin, Albutein, AlbuRx, Plasbumin, Kedbumin, Octapharma Albumin, Albuminex) state no numeric osmolality/osmolarity; they describe 5% only as osmotically equivalent / approximately isotonic to plasma. Albutein 5% states 130-160 mEq/L sodium. Next: EU SmPCs.
Albumin (Human) 20% / 25%20-25%US	various	Gap: no published value	—	—	—	—	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Note GAP: US labels give oncotic equivalence only (e.g. '4 to 5 times its volume of plasma'), no numeric mOsm value. Next: EU SmPCs.
Albumin 5% (Albunorm 5%)ES	Octapharma	274	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note EU product; US albumin labels give no number (see the US albumin 5% gap entry).
Albumin 5% (Albunorm 5%)ES	Octapharma	286	mOsm/L	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note EU product; US albumin labels give no number (see the US albumin 5% gap entry).
Albumin 20% (Albunorm 20%)ES	Octapharma	274	mOsm/kg	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note EU product; US albumin labels give no number (see the US albumin 20-25% gap entry).
Albumin 20% (Albunorm 20%)ES	Octapharma	290	mOsm/L	Measured	—	—	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Note EU product; US albumin labels give no number (see the US albumin 20-25% gap entry).

Every sourced row was checked against the cited label or paper on 2026-10-18. Values are shown in the unit their source used; nothing is converted. Gap rows mean no published number was found, not zero. Reference data for education, not prescribing, compounding or rehydration guidance.

Calcium gluconate 10% (additive)

Calcium gluconate 10%: osmolarity and source (4 products)
Product	Manufacturer	Value	Unit	Basis	Source
Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP 10% (Pharmacy Bulk Package) not default; sources conflict	B. BraunUS	292	mOsm/L	Calculated	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP 10% (single-use vials 10 mL and 50 mL; pharmacy bulk package 100 mL) not default; sources conflict	Sandoz Canada Inc.CA	680	mOsm/L	Labeled	pdf.hres.ca
Calcium Gluconate 10 % w/v Injection BP not default; sources conflict	B. Braun Medical LtdUK	660	mOsm/L	Calculated	www.medicines.org.uk
Calcium gluconate 10% (Osmolar default) editorial default; sources conflict	B. Braun Medical LtdUK	660	mOsm/L	Calculated	www.medicines.org.uk

Calcium gluconate 10%: editorial default; sources conflict

osmolar.com editorial default; sources conflict. The B. Braun UK SmPC (Calcium Gluconate 10% w/v Injection BP, emc product 15226) states 'Theoretical osmolarity: 660 mOsm/l' and 'Total calcium content: 0.23 mmol per ml (2.25 mmol per 10 ml)'. 2.25 mmol per 10 mL is 0.225 mmol/mL (printed rounded as 0.23) = 0.45 mEq Ca/mL, so 660 / 450 = 1.4667 mOsm/mEq Ca. Section 4.4 of the same SmPC says '10 ml of Calcium Gluconate 10 % w/v Injection BP contains 2.23 mmol calcium' (446 mEq/L, which would give 1.4798); the composition figure is used. Conflicting labels: Sandoz Canada 10% PI prints 680 mOsmol/L at 0.465 mEq/mL (1.4624, basis not stated); B. Braun US pharmacy bulk package (DailyMed af362bcb-7010-4eb5-b8c4-42aa3b0cdcde) prints 292 mOsmol/L '(Calc.)' (0.628), which conflicts with the others and is close to the measured osmolality of 10% calcium gluconate (hameln UK SmPC 270-310 mOsmol/kg).

Osmolar uses 1.4667 mOsm per mEq Ca as its default. Source: B. Braun Medical Ltd. This choice has not been reviewed by a clinician or pharmacist.

Short answer: IV bag labels print a calculated (ideal) osmolarity in mOsm/L. You can reproduce it from the composition: add up the millimoles of every dissolved particle per liter. Measured osmolality (mOsm/kg) of a real solution is usually lower, because solutes do not behave ideally. For example, 0.9% NaCl is 308 mOsm/L calculated (label) but about 286 mOsm/kg measured [1]. Values below are calculated label values unless marked “measured”.

Units on this page. “Calculated” means the ideal osmolarity printed on the label or derived from composition (mOsm/L). “Measured” means osmolality read by an osmometer (mOsm/kg). See Osmolality vs Osmolarity and How Osmometers Work.

1. Common IV fluids: calculated osmolarity

Each value is from the cited product label (DailyMed) or StatPearls. Values differ slightly between manufacturers, so use your own product’s label.

Fluid	Na⁺ / Cl⁻ (mEq/L)	Other	Calculated osmolarity (mOsm/L)	Source
0.9% NaCl (NS)	154 / 154	—	308 calculated (~286 mOsm/kg measured [1])	[2, 3]
0.45% NaCl (½NS)	77 / 77	—	154	[2, 3]
Lactated Ringer’s	130 / 109	K⁺ 4, Ca²⁺ 2.7 mEq/L (1.35 mmol/L), lactate 28	273	[4]*
Plasma-Lyte A (pH 7.4)	140 / 98	K⁺ 5, Mg²⁺ 3, acetate 27, gluconate 23 mEq/L	294	[6]
D5W (5% dextrose, hydrous)	0 / 0	dextrose 50 g/L	252 (B. Braun label: 250; same 50 g/L hydrous dextrose)	[7, 8]
D10W	0 / 0	dextrose 100 g/L	505	[8]
D5 + 0.225% NaCl	38.5 / 38.5	dextrose 50 g/L	329	[9]
D5 + 0.45% NaCl	77 / 77	dextrose 50 g/L	406	[9, 10]
D5 + 0.9% NaCl	154 / 154	dextrose 50 g/L	560	[9]
3% NaCl	about 513 / 513	—	1030 (B. Braun label; 1026–1027 elsewhere)	[2, 11]
5% NaCl	about 856 / 856	—	1710	[11]
Intralipid 20% (lipid emulsion)	—	—	260 mOsm/L (label also gives ≈ 350 mOsm/kg water)	[12]
Intralipid 30%	—	—	200 mOsm/L (label also gives ≈ 310 mOsm/kg water)	[13]

*Some sources (e.g., StatPearls) give 1.5 mmol/L; B. Braun’s LR label rounds calcium to 3 mEq/L and prints 274 mOsm/L [2, 5]. Use your product’s label.

Labels for the same 5% dextrose differ by rounding (Baxter 252, B. Braun 250); neither is an error [7, 8].

Normal plasma osmolality is about 275–295 mOsm/kg (measured), and ranges vary by laboratory [2, 14]. See Normal Osmolality Range. Bag osmolarity is not the same as the fluid’s effect on cells: D5W is near iso-osmolar in the bag but behaves as free water once the glucose is metabolized. See Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic.

Dextrose: hydrous vs anhydrous

US IV labels express dextrose as dextrose monohydrate (hydrous), molar mass 198.17 g/mol. 50 g/L ÷ 198.17 = 252 mOsm/L (calculated), which matches the Baxter D5W label [7]. Chemistry problems often use anhydrous glucose (180.16 g/mol), which gives 50 ÷ 180.16 = 278 mOsm/L. Both are arithmetically right for their own assumption. State which one you are using.

2. Worked examples

Example 1: Reproduce the lactated Ringer’s label (calculated osmolarity)

Composition per liter (Baxter label): Na⁺ 130, K⁺ 4, Ca²⁺ 2.7 mEq, Cl⁻ 109, lactate 28 [4].

Step 1. Convert mEq to mmol. Monovalent ions: mEq = mmol. Ca²⁺: 2.7 mEq ÷ 2 = 1.35 mmol. Step 2. Sum the particles. 130 + 4 + 1.35 + 109 + 28 = 272.35 ≈ 272 mOsm/L (calculated). Step 3. Compare. The label prints 273 mOsm/L (calc) [4]. The ~1 mOsm difference comes from rounding of the stated ion values. (Computing from the salt masses gives about 272.8.) This is a calculated value; we do not quote a measured osmolality for LR.

Example 2: Mixing two fluids in equal volumes

500 mL of D5W + 500 mL of 0.9% NaCl.

Step 1. mOsm in each part. D5W: 252.3 × 0.5 = 126.15 (unrounded 252.3). NS: 308 × 0.5 = 154.0. Step 2. Total mOsm. 126.15 + 154.0 = 280.15 Step 3. Divide by total volume. 280.15 ÷ 1.0 L = 280 mOsm/L (calculated). Averaging osmolarities only works here because the volumes are equal. With unequal volumes, weight by volume (see Q4).

Example 3: Derive 3% NaCl from its mass

3% NaCl = 30 g NaCl per liter. Molar mass of NaCl = 58.44 g/mol.

Step 1. Moles of NaCl. 30 ÷ 58.44 = 0.5133 mol/L = 513.3 mmol/L each of Na⁺ and Cl⁻. Step 2. Count particles. NaCl gives 2 particles: 513.3 × 2 = 1026.7 mOsm/L (calculated). Step 3. Compare. StatPearls lists 1026 for 3% NaCl [2]; the B. Braun label prints 1030 [11]. As with D5W, this is a labeling convention, not a different solution.

3. Practice questions

Q1. Calculate the osmolarity of D5 + 0.45% NaCl from its parts.

Answer

Dextrose 50 g/L ÷ 198.17 = 252.3 mOsm/L. 0.45% NaCl: 4.5 g/L ÷ 58.44 = 77.0 mmol/L × 2 = 154.0 mOsm/L. Total = 406 mOsm/L (calculated), which matches the label [9, 10].

Q2. Your chemistry textbook says D5W is 278 mOsm/L, but the bag says 252. Who is right?

Answer

Both. The textbook uses anhydrous glucose (180.16 g/mol): 50 ÷ 180.16 = 278. US IV labels use dextrose monohydrate (198.17 g/mol): 50 ÷ 198.17 = 252 [7]. For IV work, use the hydrous value that matches the label.

Q3. An osmometer reads 0.9% NaCl at about 286 mOsm/kg, but the label says 308 mOsm/L. Is the bag mislabeled?

Answer

No. 308 is the calculated (ideal) osmolarity: 154 mmol/L × 2 particles. 286 is a measured osmolality [1]. Ions in solution interact and do not act as fully independent particles, so the measured value is lower: 286 ÷ 308 ≈ 0.93 (our arithmetic). State which kind of value you are quoting.

Q4. Calculate the osmolarity of a mixture of 250 mL D10W and 500 mL 0.9% NaCl (arithmetic exercise only, not an admixture recommendation).

Answer

D10W: 100 g/L ÷ 198.17 = 504.6 mOsm/L × 0.25 L = 126.15 mOsm. NS: 308 × 0.5 L = 154.0 mOsm. Total = 280.15 mOsm in 0.75 L. 280.15 ÷ 0.75 = 373.5 ≈ 374 mOsm/L (calculated). A simple average of 505 and 308 (406.5) would be wrong because the volumes are unequal.

TPN Osmolarity Calculator (parenteral nutrition estimates and the 900 mOsm/L convention)
Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic
Osmolality vs Osmolarity
Serum Osmolality Calculator
How Osmometers Work
How we check content · Disclaimer

Educational content, not medical advice. These are calculation aids for learning. They are not prescribing, compounding or administration instructions, and they do not tell you which fluid to choose. Fluid selection and route decisions follow your institution’s protocols, the product labeling, and your clinical team.

References

Finfer S, Myburgh J, Bellomo R. Intravenous fluid therapy in critically ill adults. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2018;14:541–557 (Table 1). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-018-0044-0/tables/1
StatPearls. Crystalloid Solutions in Intravenous Fluid Therapy (Table). NCBI Bookshelf NBK500033. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500033/
StatPearls. Normal Saline. NCBI Bookshelf NBK545210. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545210/
Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP (Baxter). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: 10/2025”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dad7735c-709b-40ea-ab7a-15577e24a966
Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP (B. Braun). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-18 (label text: “Revised: 10/2025”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aad6e18f-04f8-4799-b366-873ec5a50317
Plasma-Lyte A Injection pH 7.4 (Baxter). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Rev. August 2019”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6ec9e61c-2c26-402f-8604-f446b2e34058
5% Dextrose Injection, USP (Baxter). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-18 (label text: “Revised: 6/2025”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=36e9478c-5df0-4b47-b97d-de3626d7cb29
Dextrose Injections USP (B. Braun). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: May 2019”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=085614c7-ada4-4e2c-87c0-c9bc2f18365a
Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (ICU Medical). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: August, 2020”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4555b1bf-6d97-4798-a63d-6d34291c85ce
5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (Fresenius Kabi). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: November 2023”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3c5f0f65-8a54-4a55-ad4e-0f0be97631d7
3% and 5% Sodium Chloride Injections USP (Hypertonic) (B. Braun). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: September 2016”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f2475fa3-ab1d-4b81-8127-b58cd0790a54
Intralipid 20% (lipid injectable emulsion) (Fresenius Kabi). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: 8/2025”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=61e025f1-a38e-4af2-9e18-13ea12977cf5
Intralipid 30% (pharmacy bulk package) (Fresenius Kabi). DailyMed, accessed 2026-10-17 (label text: “Revised: 8/2025”). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=98460eae-5195-48d2-ab73-00d276879ef6
StatPearls. Serum Osmolality. NCBI Bookshelf NBK567764. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567764/

Sources

Numbered references are listed in the article above.

Educational calculator. Verify with your institution’s protocols or pharmacist. Runs entirely in your browser; no health data is stored or sent.

IV fluid osmolarity

IV fluids osmolarity table

Saline

Hypertonic saline

Dextrose

Dextrose–saline

Balanced crystalloids

Other crystalloids

Alkalinizers

Osmotic diuretics

Colloids

Calcium gluconate 10% (additive)

1. Common IV fluids: calculated osmolarity

Dextrose: hydrous vs anhydrous

2. Worked examples

Example 1: Reproduce the lactated Ringer’s label (calculated osmolarity)

Example 2: Mixing two fluids in equal volumes

Example 3: Derive 3% NaCl from its mass

3. Practice questions

Related tools and pages

References

Sources