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TL;DR

Master medication dosage calculations including weight-based dosing, concentration conversions, and IV drip rates. Accurate calculations prevent medication errors and are a key exam competency.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-03

Free Pharmacy Calculations Practice Questions

PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification · Order Entry & Processing

This module covers Pharmacy Calculations as part of the Order Entry & Processing section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.

ExamPTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification
Pass Rate72%
Duration120 minutes
ModulePharmacy Calculations

Why Pharmacy Calculations matters

Pharmacy Calculations is one of the most tested areas because medication errors are among the most preventable causes of patient harm.

Sample Practice Questions (5)

1. A prescription reads: "Metformin 500 mg PO BID #180." What is the day supply?

  • 90 days
  • 60 days
  • 180 days
  • 30 days

2. A patient receives heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL D5W, infusing at 18 mL/hr. How many units of heparin is the patient receiving per hour?

  • 900 units/hr
  • 1,389 units/hr
  • 500 units/hr
  • 1,800 units/hr

3. Using alligation: How many parts of 70% alcohol and 40% alcohol are needed to prepare a 55% alcohol solution?

  • 15 parts of 70% and 15 parts of 40% (equal parts, 1:1 ratio)
  • 2 parts of 70% and 1 part of 40%
  • 1 part of 70% and 2 parts of 40%
  • 3 parts of 70% and 1 part of 40%

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4. What is the percentage strength (w/v) of a solution containing 5 g of dextrose in 100 mL of solution?

  • 5%
  • 0.5%
  • 50%
  • 0.05%

5. A physician orders amoxicillin 25 mg/kg/day divided TID for a child weighing 20 kg. What is each individual dose?

  • 167 mg
  • 500 mg
  • 250 mg
  • 125 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pharmacy Calculations questions are on the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification?
The Order Entry & Processing section, which includes Pharmacy Calculations, typically represents a significant portion of the exam. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing exact question counts, as the exam uses adaptive testing.
What is the best way to study Pharmacy Calculations?
Practice solving calculation problems daily rather than just reading formulas. Work through problems step-by-step, check your units, and time yourself to build speed and accuracy under exam conditions.
What topics within Pharmacy Calculations should I focus on most?
Focus on the concepts that appear in our practice questions and any areas where you consistently score below 70%. The adaptive practice mode will automatically target your weak areas for efficient study.