What is Nadler's formula?

Nadler's formula (1962) estimates total blood volume from height and weight using sex-specific coefficients. For males: BV = 0.3669 × H³ + 0.03219 × W + 0.6041. For females: BV = 0.3561 × H³ + 0.03308 × W + 0.1833. Height (H) is in meters and weight (W) is in kilograms; the result is in liters.

How accurate is this estimate?

Nadler's formula provides a population-level estimate with roughly ±10–15% variability. Individual blood volume is affected by fitness level, altitude adaptation, pregnancy, and disease states. Use this tool for guidance, not as a substitute for direct clinical measurement.

What is a normal blood volume?

For adults, typical values range from about 65–80 mL/kg. Men average roughly 70–75 mL/kg and women roughly 65–70 mL/kg. Values outside this range may reflect obesity, anemia, polycythemia, or other conditions.

How is maximum allowable blood loss (MABL) calculated?

MABL = EBV × (starting hematocrit − minimum acceptable hematocrit) / starting hematocrit. This tool shows a MABL estimate using a common minimum hematocrit of 21% (Hgb 7 g/dL), which you can adjust for individual clinical context.

Is my data stored or transmitted?

No. All calculations are performed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No values are sent to any server.

Blood Volume Estimator

Name: Blood Volume Estimator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Estimate total blood volume using Nadler's formula based on sex, height, and weight.

Patient Parameters

Biological Sex

Unit System

Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Current Hematocrit (%) — for MABL

Enter patient parameters and click Calculate.

Summary

Estimate total blood volume using Nadler's formula based on sex, height, and weight.

How it works

Select the patient's biological sex (male or female).
Enter height in centimeters or feet/inches.
Enter body weight in kilograms or pounds.
The estimator applies Nadler's coefficients to compute total blood volume.
Results appear instantly in liters and mL/kg alongside a breakdown of the formula.

Use cases

Estimate allowable blood loss before triggering a transfusion threshold.
Support pre-operative planning and fluid management decisions.
Calculate maximum allowable blood loss (MABL) at a target hematocrit.
Verify dosing calculations for medications given per unit blood volume.
Educate medical students on Nadler's formula in a clinical-skills context.
Cross-check reference values for pediatric and adult patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu