Master Pharmaceutical Calculations with ConfidenceStep-by-Step Solutions & Time-Saving Techniques

Conquer the most challenging part of the GPhC exam with our comprehensive calculation practice system. Learn proven methods, avoid common mistakes, and build speed and accuracy.

350+
Calculation Problems
15
Calculation Categories
72%
Average Score Improvement
30%
Time Reduction Achieved

Master Every Type of Pharmaceutical Calculation

Dosage Calculations

Master weight-based dosing, pediatric and geriatric calculations, and dose adjustments for special populations.

85 problems availablePractice Now →

Concentration & Dilutions

Practice percentage strength, parts per million, molarity, and complex dilution problems with multiple steps.

92 problems availablePractice Now →

Business Calculations

Learn profit and loss calculations, insurance reimbursements, markup and discount problems, and cost analysis.

45 problems availablePractice Now →

IV Flow Rates & Infusions

Calculate drip rates, infusion times, and pump settings for various IV medications and fluids.

38 problems availablePractice Now →

Alligation & Mixtures

Solve complex mixture problems using alligation methods, including alcohol dilutions and ointment preparations.

42 problems availablePractice Now →

Parts Per Million/Billion

Master trace concentration calculations including water quality, contamination levels, and analytical chemistry.

28 problems availablePractice Now →

Unit Conversions

Practice converting between metric, imperial, and pharmaceutical units including temperature and pressure conversions.

35 problems availablePractice Now →

Bioavailability & Pharmacokinetics

Calculate bioavailability, bioequivalence, clearance, half-life, and steady-state concentrations.

32 problems availablePractice Now →

Our Proven Calculation Learning Method

1

Understand the Concept

Start with clear explanations of the underlying principles and when to use each calculation method.

2

Learn the Method

Follow step-by-step worked examples that show you exactly how to approach each problem type.

3

Practice with Guidance

Work through problems with hints and immediate feedback to reinforce your understanding.

4

Build Speed & Accuracy

Practice under time pressure to develop the speed and confidence needed for exam success.

Sample Problem Walkthrough

Example Problem:

"A patient weighing 70 kg requires a loading dose of digoxin at 10 micrograms/kg. The injection available contains 250 micrograms/ml. What volume should be administered?"

Step 1: Identify what you know
  • • Patient weight: 70 kg
  • • Dose required: 10 micrograms/kg
  • • Concentration available: 250 micrograms/ml
Step 2: Calculate total dose needed

Total dose = 70 kg × 10 micrograms/kg = 700 micrograms

Step 3: Calculate volume required

Volume = 700 micrograms ÷ 250 micrograms/ml = 2.8 ml

Key Learning Points:

Units Matter

Always check units match throughout your calculation

Two-Step Process

First find total dose, then calculate volume needed

Sensibility Check

2.8 ml is a reasonable injection volume

Common Formula

Dose required ÷ Concentration = Volume

Avoid These Common Calculation Mistakes

Unit Conversion Errors

Mixing up mg and micrograms, or ml and L can lead to dangerous dosing errors.

Prevention:

Always write out units in every step and double-check conversions.

Decimal Point Mistakes

Misplacing decimal points can result in 10x or 100x dosing errors.

Prevention:

Use leading zeros (0.5 not .5) and avoid trailing zeros (5 not 5.0).

Formula Confusion

Using the wrong formula or mixing up numerator and denominator.

Prevention:

Memorize key formulas and practice identifying which one to use.

Success Strategies

Dimensional Analysis

Set up calculations so units cancel out properly.

Estimation

Round numbers to check if your answer makes sense.

Show Your Work

Write out each step to catch errors and get partial credit.

Time-Saving Tips

Learn to recognize standard ratios and proportions
Practice mental math for common conversions
Use shortcuts for percentage calculations
Memorize key formulas and unit conversions

Essential Formula Reference Sheet

Core Calculation Formulas

Basic Dose Calculation

Dose = (Weight × Dose per kg)

Volume from Concentration

Volume = Dose Required ÷ Concentration

Percentage Strength

% w/v = (Weight of solute ÷ Volume of solution) × 100

Dilution Formula

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Parts Per Million

ppm = (mg of solute ÷ L of solution)

Unit Conversion Reference

Weight Conversions

1 kg = 1000 g

1 g = 1000 mg

1 mg = 1000 micrograms

1 microgram = 1000 nanograms

Volume Conversions

1 L = 1000 ml

1 ml = 1000 microliters

1 pint = 568 ml

1 fl oz = 28.4 ml

Time Conversions

1 hour = 60 minutes

1 day = 24 hours

1 week = 7 days

Temperature

°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

Download Complete Formula Sheet

Printable PDF with all formulas and conversion factors

Advanced Practice Tools

Speed Challenges

Timed calculation sessions to build speed and accuracy under pressure. Compete with other students and track improvement.

15
questions in 20 minutes
Start Speed Challenge →

Progress Tracking

Detailed analytics showing your improvement across different calculation types. Identify weak areas and track mastery.

85%
average accuracy
View Progress →

Study Pathways

Structured learning paths that build from basic concepts to advanced problems. Perfect for systematic improvement.

12
structured pathways
Browse Pathways →

Master Pharmaceutical Calculations Today

Join thousands of students who've conquered their calculation fears and passed their GPhC exam

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350+ problems • Step-by-step solutions • Formula reference included

Progressive difficulty
Instant feedback
Time-saving shortcuts