Pharmacy math for the PTCB

PTCE math is mostly six formulas - conversions, days supply, dosing, dilution (C1V1 = C2V2), alligation and IV flow rate - and each one is easy once you set up units first.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 1 source · By the HealthCert Prep team

Educational exam prep, not medical advice. This page teaches what certification exams test. Follow your facility’s policies, your supervising clinician and the manufacturer’s instructions in practice. If you are a patient with a health question, talk to your clinician or see MedlinePlus.

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Conversions to memorize

FromTo
1 kg2.2 lb
1 tsp5 mL
1 tbsp15 mL
1 fl oz30 mL (29.57 exact)
1 g1,000 mg
1 mg1,000 mcg
1 L1,000 mL
1 grain65 mg

Days supply

Days supply = quantity dispensed / quantity used per day. Round down.

Example: #90 tablets, sig 1 tab tid. 90 / 3 = 30 days.

Liquid: 150 mL, 5 mL bid. 150 / 10 = 15 days.

Dilution: C1V1 = C2V2

How much 20% stock makes 500 mL of 5%? V1 = (5 x 500) / 20 = 125 mL of stock, plus 375 mL diluent.

Alligation

Mix 10% and 2% to get 5%. Parts of 10% = 5 - 2 = 3; parts of 2% = 10 - 5 = 5; total 8 parts. For 400 g: 10% = 3/8 x 400 = 150 g; 2% = 250 g.

IV flow rate

mL/hr = volume / hours. gtt/min = (volume x drop factor) / minutes.

1,000 mL over 8 hr = 125 mL/hr. With a 15 gtt/mL set: (1,000 x 15) / 480 = 31.25 -> 31 gtt/min.

Percentage and ratio strength

w/v % = grams per 100 mL: 0.9% NaCl = 0.9 g/100 mL = 9 g/L. Ratio strength 1:1,000 = 1 g in 1,000 mL = 0.1%.

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Frequently asked questions

What math is on the PTCB exam?

Formulas, ratios, proportions, conversions and sig codes for days supply, quantity, dose, concentration and dilutions (PTCE outline 4.1).

Can you use a calculator on the PTCB?

An on-screen calculator is provided at the Pearson VUE test center; check PTCB’s candidate guide for current rules.

How do you calculate days supply?

Divide the quantity dispensed by the amount used per day, and round down.

Sources

  1. PTCB - PTCE Content Outline effective January 6, 2026 (accessed 2026-09-23)
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