Clinical reference support

Osmolality calculator

Calculate serum osmolality from sodium, glucose, and BUN in mg/dL. Optionally display raw measured-minus-calculated arithmetic; this tool does not diagnose a cause or direct care.

Educational support only. Confirm laboratory units and interpret with current veterinary references.
Scope and limits
  • Uses reviewed formula arithmetic and one cited normal serum-osmolality reference interval only.
  • Does not identify a toxin, classify a patient, apply an osmolar-gap threshold, choose treatment, or retain results.
  • Use the current laboratory method, units, clinical context, and veterinary judgment.
Source and formula

The Merck Veterinary Manual gives: osmolality = 2(Na⁺) + glucose/18 + BUN/2.8, with glucose and BUN in mg/dL, and cites normal serum osmolality as 290–310 mOsm/L. Raw gap, when entered, is measured osmolality minus calculated osmolality; no threshold or interpretation is applied.

Formula audit trail

The formula trail appears after valid values are entered.

Source: Merck Veterinary Manual Fluid Resuscitation Plan in Animals. Reviewed July 2026.