Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator
Estimates the total body bicarbonate deficit in metabolic acidosis.
kg
Use the patient’s current body weight in kilograms.
mEq/L
mmol/L is numerically equivalent to mEq/L for bicarbonate.
Estimated Total Body Bicarbonate Deficit
0 mEq
Formula:
Bicarbonate deficit = 0.5 × weight (kg) × [24 − serum HCO₃⁻ (mEq/L)]
Bicarbonate deficit = 0.5 × weight (kg) × [24 − serum HCO₃⁻ (mEq/L)]
Clinical note: This is an estimate of total body bicarbonate deficit, not an automatic sodium bicarbonate prescribing recommendation. Assess the cause of acidosis, pH, blood gases, renal function, volume status, sodium load, and repeat laboratory results when making treatment decisions.
