Arterial Blood pH Calculator

Calculate arterial blood pH using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for acid-base analysis

Calculate Arterial Blood pH

Medical Professional Use Only

This calculator is for healthcare professionals performing arterial blood gas analysis. Results require clinical correlation and should not replace professional medical judgment.

mEq/L

Normal: 22-28 mEq/L

Normal: 35-45 mmHg (4.7-6.0 kPa)

Arterial Blood pH Results

0.000
pH Units
Arterial Blood pH

Enter values to calculate pH

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[HCO₃⁻ / (0.0308 x PaCO₂)]
Calculation:pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[0 / (0.0308 x 0.0)]
Result:pH = 0.000

Example Calculation

Normal ABG Values

Patient Values:

• HCO₃⁻: 24 mEq/L

• PaCO₂: 40 mmHg

• Expected pH: ~7.40

Henderson-Hasselbalch

pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[24 / (0.0308 x 40)]

pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[24 / 1.232]

pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[19.48]

pH = 6.1 + 1.29 = 7.39

ABG Parameters

pH

Arterial pH

Measure of blood acidity/alkalinity

CO₂

PaCO₂

Respiratory component

HCO₃

Bicarbonate

Metabolic component

Normal Ranges

Arterial pH
7.35 - 7.45
PaCO₂
35 - 45 mmHg
HCO₃⁻
22 - 28 mEq/L

Understanding Arterial Blood pH

What is Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)?

Arterial blood gas analysis measures the amounts of arterial gases and determines arterial pH. The test assesses the body's acid-base balance and the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs, providing critical information for diagnosing and managing respiratory and metabolic disorders.

Clinical Applications

  • Assess respiratory function and ventilation
  • Evaluate acid-base balance disorders
  • Monitor critically ill patients
  • Guide mechanical ventilation settings

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

pH = 6.1 + log₁₀[HCO₃⁻ / (0.0308 x PaCO₂)]

Where:

  • 6.1 = pKa of carbonic acid system
  • HCO₃⁻ = bicarbonate concentration (mEq/L)
  • 0.0308 = solubility constant for CO₂
  • PaCO₂ = arterial CO₂ partial pressure (mmHg)

Clinical Note: The equation shows that pH depends on the ratio of HCO₃⁻ (metabolic component) to PaCO₂ (respiratory component), not their absolute values.

Acid-Base Disorders

Acidosis (pH < 7.35)

Metabolic Acidosis:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Kidney failure
  • Lactic acidosis

Respiratory Acidosis:

  • COPD
  • Respiratory failure
  • Hypoventilation

Alkalosis (pH > 7.45)

Metabolic Alkalosis:

  • Vomiting
  • Diuretic use
  • Hyperaldosteronism

Respiratory Alkalosis:

  • Hyperventilation
  • Anxiety
  • High altitude