Despite the host of complications which may be associated with intravenous sodium bicarbonate infusion, the use of this agent is a frequent necessity in patients with metabolic acidosis. No satisfactory formula for calculating bicarbonate dose had previously been described, although such an approach might be expected to reduce the incidence of these complications. The authors have devised a simple formula for bedside calculation of bicarbonate requirement in metabolic acidosis, designed to elevate th pH to the region about 7.30, and report their experience with the use of this formula in 13 instances. In all but one, the post-infusion pH was between 7.25 and 7.37, with a mean of 7.30 +/- 0.04 and no instances of serious overtitration. It is concluded that the formula is useful as a pragmatic aid in the management of patients with metabolic acidosis.