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PulmonaryP/F Ratio

P/F Ratio Calculator (PaO₂/FiO₂)

Calculate the PaO₂/FiO₂ oxygenation ratio.

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mmHg

P/F ratio

FiO₂ used

About

The P/F ratio divides arterial oxygen tension by the inspired oxygen fraction. It summarizes oxygenation at a particular PaO₂, FiO₂, ventilatory setting, and time. A ratio alone is insufficient to classify ARDS: timing, bilateral imaging findings, edema origin, and the applicable PEEP/CPAP or respiratory-support criteria also matter. FiO₂ from variable-performance oxygen devices may be an estimate.

Formula

P/F ratio = PaO₂ (mmHg) / FiO₂ (decimal)
Percent FiO₂ is divided by 100 before calculation
Accepted FiO₂: 0.21–1.00 or 21–100%

Interpretation

Reference context: Ratios above 300, 200–300, 100–200, and ≤100 mmHg are commonly discussed in oxygenation literature, but are not stand-alone clinical categories.

Limitations: Record oxygen device, estimated or measured FiO₂, PEEP/CPAP, and the timing of the arterial sample. Changes in these conditions can change the ratio.

Worked example: PaO₂ 80 mmHg at FiO₂ 40% uses 0.40 and gives 80/0.40 = 200 mmHg.

References

  1. ARDS Definition Task Force. Acute respiratory distress syndrome: the Berlin Definition. JAMA. 2012;307:2526-2533.
  2. Matthay MA, et al. A New Global Definition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024.

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Disclaimer

Educational and informational reference only. Not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or independent verification.