A fast, reliable pediatric dose calculator helps you turn mg/kg orders into safe, defensible doses—per administration, per day, and (when you enter concentration) mL per dose and total daily volume.
Pediatric Dose Calculator
Weight-based dosing (mg/kg or mcg/kg). Choose per day or per dose, set frequency, and optionally enter concentration to get mL per dose and per day.
Sources
- WHO expert meeting: doses presented as total daily dose divided by frequency (e.g., q12h). View
- BNF for Children: pediatric doses are weight-based (kg); check max single/daily doses.
- Medication safety: pounds↔kilograms errors in pediatrics (PSNet). View
- mcg↔mg: SI prefixes — 1 mg = 1000 mcg (NIST). View
- Accessible toggle buttons use
aria-pressed(MDN). View
How to use the pediatric dose calculator (step-by-step)
- Enter weight (kg or lb). The tool converts lb→kg automatically and always calculates in kilograms, which is the safest practice for pediatrics.
- Choose the dose unit: mg/kg or mcg/kg (the calculator converts mcg↔mg correctly).
- Select dose basis: per day (common in pediatrics) or per dose. WHO guidance presents pediatric antibiotic dosing as total daily dose divided by frequency (e.g., q12h).
- Pick frequency (q24/q12/q8/q6/q4).
- Add concentration (mg/mL) to get mL per dose and total daily volume. You can also type Mass (mg) + Volume (mL) and the calculator derives mg/mL.
- (Optional) Set maximums—cap the max single dose (mg) and max daily dose (mg) so results can’t exceed your formulary’s limits. Pediatric references emphasize mg/kg dosing with adult max caps.
Why this workflow is considered best practice
- Pediatric doses are generally weight-based (mg/kg) and must respect age-specific and maximum limits.
- Using kilograms (not pounds) and mL (not teaspoons) reduces errors.
Pediatric dose calculator: mg/kg/day vs mg/kg/dose (with examples)
A. “mg/kg/day divided q12h” (very common wording)
- Per day (mg/day) = weight (kg) × dose (mg/kg/day)
- Per dose (mg/dose) = (mg/day) ÷ doses per day
- mL per dose = (mg/dose) ÷ (mg/mL)
WHO explicitly recommends presenting the regimen this way.
Example
- Weight = 6 kg
- Order = 30 mg/kg/day divided q12h (2 doses/day)
- Concentration = 31.25 mg/mL
- Total daily dose = 6 × 30 = 180 mg/day
- Dose per administration = 180 ÷ 2 = 90 mg/dose
- Volume per dose = 90 ÷ 31.25 = 2.88 mL
- Total daily volume = 180 ÷ 31.25 = 5.76 mL
B. “mg/kg/dose q8h”
- Per dose (mg/dose) = weight (kg) × dose (mg/kg/dose)
- Total daily dose (mg/day) = (mg/dose) × doses per day
- Volumes follow the same mg ÷ (mg/mL) rule.
Always confirm the drug’s max single and max daily limits in your reference (e.g., BNFC) and cap outputs accordingly.
Safe dose calculation in pediatrics: checklist before you give the dose
- Weigh in kilograms and record only kg in the charting system to prevent lb↔kg mistakes.
- Use mL for oral liquids and an oral syringe/medicine cup, not kitchen spoons.
- Check age-specific limits and adult max (“do not exceed”) for the drug.
- Choose the correct basis (per day vs per dose) that matches the order wording. WHO antibiotic dosing is “total daily dose ÷ frequency.”
- Reassess frequently in very young infants where PK/half-life differs; many guidelines vary by age band.
- When in doubt, consult your pharmacist and a primary source (BNFC, WHO Pocket Book).
Pediatric dose computation: common conversions you’ll use
- mcg → mg: divide by 1,000 (e.g., 2500 mcg = 2.5 mg).
- lb → kg: divide by 2.20462 (calculator does this for you).
- mL per dose: mg ÷ (mg/mL).
These are the standard medical-math conversions used across pediatric references.
Why a peds dose calculator matters
Real-world case reviews show that weight entry errors (lb vs kg) and unit confusion contribute to pediatric dosing mistakes. A well-designed tool that enforces kilograms and displays both mg and mL can reduce risk and speed up safe care.
These reflect the same user need—quick, accurate pediatric calculation dose by weight with guardrails. (Your calculator and article are optimized to satisfy each of those searches.)
Worked mini-examples (across common patterns)
- Antibiotic expressed as mg/kg/day: “Amoxicillin 80–90 mg/kg/day divided q12h” → enter per day, choose q12h, and the calculator splits the total into two equal doses and provides the mL per dose from your bottle strength. This per-day phrasing is widely used in pediatric monographs.
- Analgesic expressed as mg/kg/dose: “Acetaminophen 10–15 mg/kg/dose q4–6h” → enter per dose and your frequency; the calculator totals daily mg and mL when you provide concentration, and you can add max caps (e.g., 75 mg/kg/24h or 4 g/24h, depending on local guidance).
FAQs
How to calculate pediatric dose
Use kilograms and decide whether the order is mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose. For mg/kg/day, multiply weight × dose to get mg/day, divide by frequency (q12h, q8h, etc.) for mg per administration, then convert to mL using the product concentration; for mg/kg/dose, compute mg per dose first and then total the day. A pediatric dose calculator (peds drug calculator) removes math errors and standardizes your pediatric dose computation.
How do you calculate pediatric doses
Most dose calculation in pediatrics is weight-based (mg/kg) with age-dependent adjustments and maximum limits. Confirm “per day” vs “per dose” wording, apply the frequency, and convert to mL (not teaspoons) for liquids. A point-of-care pediatric dosage calculator improves safety and speed.
How to calculate dose in pediatrics
Record the weight in kilograms only, then apply the drug’s mg/kg statement and frequency to get dose per administration and total daily dose. Present oral liquids in mL using a dosing syringe; avoid spoon measures. This style of dose calculation pediatric reduces common errors.
How to calculate doses in pediatrics
Follow three steps: (1) kg-based mg/kg math, (2) frequency logic (q24 → q4), (3) mg→mL using mg/mL. If your order is “mg/kg/day divided q12h,” compute the total daily dose and divide by 2 for mg per dose—a convention endorsed in global guidance. A dose calculator for pediatrics automates this pediatric dose computation.
How to calculate pediatric doses
Use a pediatric dose calculator that supports both “per day” and “per dose,” lb↔kg conversion, and concentration (mg/mL) for mL outputs. Always check age-specific caps and the adult maximum.
How to calculate pediatric safe dose range
Look up the drug’s min–max mg/kg and maximum single/daily limits in an authoritative reference (e.g., BNFC, WHO handbook). Then run the math in a pediatric calculation dose tool and set caps so results can’t exceed local limits.
How to calculate safe dose range for pediatrics
Ranges vary by age and indication (neonates and young infants often need lower mg/kg or longer intervals). Confirm the table in your guideline, then let the pediatric dose calculator apply your caps across dose calculation for pediatrics.
What are the 4 methods used in calculating pediatric doses
Common approaches include weight-based (mg/kg), age-band tables, body-surface-area (mg/m²) in some specialties, and fixed dosing in adolescents for select drugs. Most bedside calculation of pediatric dose is mg/kg; verify details in the monograph before using alternatives.
How to calculate a pediatric dose
Multiply weight in kg × mg/kg to get mg; match the order’s frequency; convert to mL using mg/mL if it’s a liquid. Document everything in kg and mL for clarity.
How to calculate amoxicillin dose for pediatrics
High-dose amoxicillin is often 80–90 mg/kg/day divided q12h for acute otitis media (confirm local guidance and max dose). In your pediatric dose calculator, choose per day, set q12h, and enter the bottle strength for mL per dose.
How to calculate augmentin dose pediatric (amoxicillin-clavulanate)
Many protocols use 80–90 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin component) divided q12h for AOM/sinusitis (check the clavulanate exposure and your site’s maxima). Use “per day” in the peds dose calculator and the relevant suspension strength to compute mL per dose.
How to calculate azithromycin dose for pediatrics
Typical regimens are 10 mg/kg on day 1, then 5 mg/kg/day on days 2–5, with per-dose maximums; always match indication-specific guidance. Enter mg/kg/dose (or day-specific mg/kg) and let the pediatric dose calculator total daily mg and mL from mg/mL.
How to calculate ceftriaxone dose in pediatrics
Guidelines often state 50–75 mg/kg/day (q12–24h) for many infections and 100 mg/kg/day for meningitis (q24 or divided q12). Set mg/kg/day, pick the frequency (e.g., q12h), and the dose calculator pediatric will return mg per administration; verify the maximum daily dose in your reference.
How to calculate dose for pediatric
Workflows: (a) mg/kg/day ÷ frequency or (b) mg/kg/dose × frequency—both supported by the pediatric dosage calculator. Confirm the exact pattern in the order or monograph before calculating.
How to calculate epinephrine dose in pediatrics
Epinephrine has narrow windows and multiple concentrations—always check an authoritative, indication-specific monograph, then compute mg or mcg per kg and apply frequency. Use the peds drug calculator only after confirming the correct formulation and route.
How to calculate pediatric antibiotic dose
Antibiotics are frequently written as mg/kg/day divided q12h/q8h. Enter per day and the frequency in the pediatric dose calculator to get mg per administration and, if liquid, mL per dose via mg/mL.
How to calculate pediatric dose by weight
Calculate kg × mg/kg and apply frequency to derive total daily dose and dose per administration. Converting mg to mL (dose ÷ mg/mL) keeps your dose calculation pediatric practical at the bedside.
How to calculate pediatric dose formula
There isn’t one universal “formula”—you follow the drug’s mg/kg (or mg/m²) statement, frequency, and max caps. A dose calculator for pediatrics enforces kilograms, shows mg per dose/day, and converts to mL using mg/mL.
How to calculate pediatric dose of amoxicillin
If the order says mg/kg/day divided BID, choose per day and q12h in the calculator; if it’s mg/kg/dose, choose per dose and apply the frequency. Always confirm maximums in your guideline.
How to calculate pediatric tylenol dose (acetaminophen)
Typical oral guidance is 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours, with strict daily maximums—confirm for your setting and product. Use mg/kg/dose in the pediatric dose calculator, enter frequency, and add concentration to get mL per dose.
How to calculate safe dose for pediatric
After computing mg/kg, check maximum single and maximum daily limits and cap outputs. Recording weight in kilograms and using mL-only devices further reduces dosing risk.
How to calculate safe doses in pediatrics
Safety = kg only, correct mg/kg math (per day vs per dose), frequency applied, mL conversion, and caps against your formulary. A pediatric dose calculator operationalizes the whole calculation of pediatric dose workflow.
How to calculate augmentin dose for pediatrics
Follow your local guide (many use 80–90 mg/kg/day divided q12h for common ENT infections) and respect clavulanate exposure limits. Use per day in the calculator and the exact suspension strength to output mL per dose.
How to calculate drug dose in pediatric
Start with pediatric dose computation in kg, apply frequency, convert to mL, and verify max caps. For antibiotics, WHO presents regimens as total daily dose ÷ frequency (e.g., q12h).
How to calculate pediatric dose of paracetamol
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is typically mg/kg/dose with strict daily maximums; verify local numbers for your product and age. Use the dose calculator pediatric in per dose mode and enter concentration to output mL per dose and total daily volume.
How to calculate pediatric drug dose
Use kg-based mg/kg math, apply frequency, convert mg→mL, and cap against maximums from BNFC/WHO/local protocols. A pediatric dose calculator keeps the entire dose calculation for pediatrics consistent at the point of care.
“Best pediatric dose calculator” vs “safe dose calculator for pediatrics”
The “best” tool isn’t just fast—it prevents common errors: it forces kg, supports mg/kg/day and mg/kg/dose, exposes mL per dose and total daily volume, and lets you apply max caps. Combined with good practice (mL-only measuring devices, pharmacist review, and BNFC/WHO look-ups), that’s what makes it a truly safe dose calculator for pediatrics.
References
- BNF for Children (BNFC): pediatric prescribing is weight-based (kg) with drug-specific maximums and age bands. bnf.nice.org.uk
- WHO Pocket Book: pediatric drug tables and dosing principles for hospital care. NCBI+World Health Organization
- WHO consensus: present regimens as total daily dose ÷ frequency (e.g., q12h). WHO CDN
- Safety: pounds↔kilograms and unit-of-measure errors; prefer kg and mL. PSNet+Pediatrics
- Example pediatric dosing tables (e.g., acetaminophen max daily limits) in contemporary guidance. dir.iwk.nshealth.ca
Disclaimer: This article and calculator are for education and quick reference and do not replace clinical judgment. Verify drug-specific doses, ranges, and maxima in your local formulary (e.g., BNFC/WHO), adjust for organ function and indication, and consult a pharmacist for complex cases.