Chapter 2

Dimensional Analysis Method

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 Dimensional Analysis (DA)
 Systematic scientific mathematical process
 Equations are set up and solved in fraction
multiplication format according to factors, labels, and
units of measurement
 Advantages:
 Simple system for setting up problems
 Reduced dependence on memory
 Can be used for all medication dosage problems
 All calculations can be entered in a single equation
 Allows nurse to identify incorrect setup before calculations
are carried out

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 Three Required Elements of a
Dimensional Analysis Equation
 Desired answer units
 Given quantity and units to convert
 One or more conversion factors
 DA method takes a known quantity and units of
measurement to solve equation by multiplication

 Conversion factor: a ratio in fraction form used to

convert one unit of measurement to equivalent
numerical amount in another unit of measurement

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 Setup of a Simple Dimensional
Analysis Equation
 Write the desired answer on the left as a
reminder of the units needed in the answer
 Enter a conversion factor that contains the
desired answer units in fraction form
 Numerator contains the desired answer unit
 This is called the starting factor
 Enter the given quantity and units factor to be
converted in a position that allows it to be
canceled
Example: Conversion factor 12 inches = 1 foot

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 Setup of a Simple Dimensional
Analysis Equation (Cont.)
 Only after the first two elements are identified
are conversion factors selected based on:
 Converting from given units
 Converting to desired answer units
 Cancel all unwanted units; only desired
answer units remain
 Estimate the size of the answer, then multiply

 The following example uses one conversion

factor

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 Example

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 Example (Cont.)

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 Conversion Formula Review
 Must contain a quantity and unit of
measurement and/or a label
 Are equivalent
 Are inserted in an equation in fraction form
Note:
 Always recheck equation setup before doing math
• Are all unwanted units canceled so that only answer
units remain?
• Remember to estimate the answer. Should the answer
be more or less than the given quantity?

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Conversion Formula Review (Cont.)
When canceling:
 Do not change the value of the other units in the
equation

 Ensure unit position matches the desired answer

units and allows diagonal cancelation of the
unwanted units

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 Common Errors
Setup can be correct with both sides of
equation correct, and answer may be wrong if:

 Wrong data entry occurs

 Incorrect multiplication
 Careless handwriting (can be misread)
 Errors with conversion factors — know them

DA cannot prevent the nurse from making

careless numerical entry and math errors

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Example of Incorrect Setup

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Problems with More Than One
Conversion Factor

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 Conversion Factor Review
Conversion factors:
1. Are selected after desired answer units AND given
quantity are identified
2. Must contain quantity and a unit of measure and/or
label
3. Are equivalent
4. Are inserted in an equation in fraction form
5. Do not change the value of other units because they
equal 1
6. Must be positioned to match desired units
to be canceled (diagonally numerator to
denominator)
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Conversion Factor Examples

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 Correct Starting Factor Orientation
Desired Answer Units Starting Factor Given Quantity and
Units

Kilograms (kg) is desired answer units so this is numerator units

Cross-cancel like units (lb) and then multiply: 1 x 7 ÷ 2.2 = 3.18

Avoid errors and multiply all numbers (including “1’s”) so you do not
miss any, especially in multiple factor equations which can get long
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 Conversions for DA Calculations
Two kinds of conversions are commonly used
1. Conversion factors within same dimension
• 12 eggs = 1 dozen (quantity)
• 4 qt = 1 gallon (volume)
• 1000 milligrams (mg) = 1 gram (g) (weight or mass)

2. Conversion factors within different dimensions

• 10 pills per day (10 pills per 1 day)
• 250 mg per tablet (250 mg in 1 tablet)
• 1 g per capsule (1 g in 1 capsule)

These formulas are entered as conversion units in the same way,

with desired answer unit placed in numerator of the starting factor

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 Problems with More Than One
Conversion Factor
How many seconds are in 5 hours?
Conversion factors: 60 seconds = 1 minute
60 minutes = 1 hour

Step 1 Step 2 x Step 3 = Answer

Desired Starting Given quantity Estimate, multiply,
answer factor and conversion evaluate
unit factors

Cancel minutes, then hours, then calculate:

Multiply all numerators, then divide by all (denominators)

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