Pharmacy Calculations & Sig Codes — Pharmacy Technician Practice Test

This Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Calculations & Sig Codes practice set has 50 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Pharmacy Calculations & Sig Codes bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

1. An amoxicillin suspension is 250 mg per 5 mL. How many mL are needed to give a 400 mg dose?

   • 8 mL — Correct answer
   • 10 mL
   • 5 mL
   • 12.5 mL

   Explanation: Set up a proportion: 250 mg / 5 mL = 400 mg / x mL. Cross-multiply: 250x = 400 × 5 = 2000, so x = 2000 / 250 = 8 mL. (Source: PTCE Domain 4.1 — calculations, ratio & proportion)

   Handbook: Pharmacy Calculations — Ratio & Proportion

2. A prescription is for 60 capsules with the directions 'take 1 capsule by mouth twice daily.' What is the days supply?

   • 30 days — Correct answer
   • 60 days
   • 20 days
   • 15 days

   Explanation: Twice daily means 2 capsules per day. Days supply = total quantity / daily dose = 60 / 2 = 30 days. (Source: PTCE Domain 4.1 — days supply)

   Handbook: Pharmacy Calculations — Days Supply

3. How many grams of dextrose are in 1000 mL of D5W (5% weight/volume)?

   • 50 g — Correct answer
   • 5 g
   • 500 g
   • 100 g

   Explanation: A 5% w/v solution has 5 g per 100 mL. For 1000 mL: 5 g / 100 mL × 1000 mL = 50 g. (Source: PTCE Domain 4.1 — percentage strength)

   Handbook: Pharmacy Calculations — Percentage Strength