Cardiac Output Calculator

Measure heart flow with reliable inputs and conversions. Choose direct or volume mode for estimation. Export results, inspect trends, and learn each calculation step.

Calculator Form

Choose how stroke volume will be supplied.
Needed for cardiac index.
Clear Page

Example Data Table

Scenario Heart Rate Stroke Volume Cardiac Output BSA Cardiac Index
Resting adult 72 bpm 70 mL/beat 5.04 L/min 1.8 m² 2.80 L/min/m²
Light exercise 98 bpm 85 mL/beat 8.33 L/min 1.9 m² 4.38 L/min/m²
Athletic resting state 52 bpm 100 mL/beat 5.20 L/min 2.0 m² 2.60 L/min/m²

Formula Used

1) Cardiac Output

CO = HR × SV

CO is cardiac output, HR is heart rate, and SV is stroke volume.

2) Stroke Volume from Chamber Volumes

SV = EDV − ESV

EDV is end-diastolic volume and ESV is end-systolic volume.

3) Cardiac Index

CI = CO / BSA

CI normalizes output by body surface area.

4) Total Pumped Over a Chosen Duration

Total Volume = CO × time

This is useful for estimating cumulative blood movement.

In physics terms, cardiac output is a volumetric flow rate. The calculator converts that rate into per-second, per-minute, per-hour, and SI-style forms.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select either direct stroke volume mode or the EDV/ESV method.
  2. Enter heart rate and choose its unit.
  3. Provide stroke volume directly, or enter EDV and ESV.
  4. Add body surface area if you also want cardiac index.
  5. Set a duration to estimate the total blood pumped.
  6. Press the calculate button to show results above the form.
  7. Review the results table, graph, and optional export buttons.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is cardiac output?

Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute. It combines how fast the heart beats with how much blood leaves the ventricle during each beat.

2) Which equation does this calculator use?

The main equation is CO = HR × SV. When EDV and ESV are entered, stroke volume is first found using SV = EDV − ESV, then output is calculated.

3) When should I use direct stroke volume mode?

Use direct mode when you already know stroke volume from a prior calculation, class problem, simulation, or lab source. It is the quickest path to cardiac output.

4) When should I use EDV and ESV mode?

Use EDV and ESV mode when chamber volumes are available. This helps you derive stroke volume and, as a bonus, estimate ejection fraction from the same values.

5) What is cardiac index?

Cardiac index is cardiac output divided by body surface area. It adjusts the raw output for body size, which makes comparisons between people more meaningful.

6) Why are several units displayed?

Different subjects prefer different units. Medicine often uses L/min, flow analysis may use mL/s, and physics or engineering contexts may prefer cubic meters per second.

7) Can this calculator replace clinical testing?

No. This tool is educational and estimation-based. Real clinical decisions require validated measurements, patient history, imaging, monitoring, and professional interpretation.

8) Why does the graph look like a straight line?

The graph assumes constant cardiac output during the chosen duration. With a constant rate, cumulative volume increases linearly, so the plotted total forms a straight rising line.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.