Children's Medicine Dose Calculator
Weight-based doses of paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen and diphenhydramine, in mL for the bottle you have.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist
Children's Medicine Dose Calculator
Weight-based doses of paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen and diphenhydramine.
Use a recent weight — doses depend on weight, not age.
Quick answer
Children's doses go by weight: paracetamol (acetaminophen) is 15 mg per kg every 4–6 hours, up to 5 doses in 24 hours; ibuprofen is 10 mg per kg every 6–8 hours, up to 4 doses, and only from 6 months. Babies under 12 weeks with a fever must see a doctor instead.
How the dose is worked out
Doctors dose children's medicines by weight because two children of the same age can weigh very different amounts. The calculator multiplies your child's weight in kilograms by the standard dose per kilogram, caps it at the maximum single dose, then converts it to millilitres for the strength printed on your bottle.
Strengths differ a lot between products: paracetamol drops (100 mg per mL) are four times stronger than 120 mg/5 mL syrup. Always check the strength on the label and use the syringe or cup that comes with the medicine — kitchen spoons are not accurate.
Volumes are rounded down to an amount you can measure, so the dose shown never goes above the per-kilogram limit.
Dose chart by weight
Paracetamol 120 mg/5 mL syrup and ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL suspension (common Indian and US strengths). Check the strength on your bottle.
| Weight | Paracetamol 120 mg/5 mL | Paracetamol drops 100 mg/mL | Ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg (11 lb) | 3.1 mL (74 mg) | 0.7 mL (70 mg) | 2.5 mL (50 mg) |
| 7.5 kg (17 lb) | 4.6 mL (110 mg) | 1.1 mL (110 mg) | 3.7 mL (74 mg) |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 6 mL (144 mg) | 1.5 mL (150 mg) | 5 mL (100 mg) |
| 12.5 kg (28 lb) | 7.5 mL (180 mg) | 1.8 mL (180 mg) | 6 mL (120 mg) |
| 15 kg (33 lb) | 9 mL (216 mg) | 2.2 mL (220 mg) | 7.5 mL (150 mg) |
| 20 kg (44 lb) | 12.5 mL (300 mg) | 3 mL (300 mg) | 10 mL (200 mg) |
| 25 kg (55 lb) | 15.5 mL (372 mg) | 3.7 mL (370 mg) | 12.5 mL (250 mg) |
| 30 kg (66 lb) | 18.5 mL (444 mg) | 4.5 mL (450 mg) | 15 mL (300 mg) |
Frequently asked questions
Should I give paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever?
Either can be used for a child over 6 months. Use one medicine first; only add or alternate the other if your child is still distressed before the next dose is due, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Why does the dose depend on weight, not age?
Weight-based dosing is more accurate because children of the same age vary widely in size. Use a recent weight.
Can I give paracetamol to a newborn?
Not without a doctor's advice. A baby under 12 weeks with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs to be seen by a doctor straight away.
What if my child vomits soon after a dose?
Do not repeat the dose straight away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do, and wait for the normal interval before the next dose unless they advise otherwise.
Can I use diphenhydramine to help my child sleep?
No. Antihistamines should not be used to make children sleep, and children's diphenhydramine labels say not to use it under 6 years.
Get medical help urgently if your child
- Is under 12 weeks old with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- Is struggling to breathe, very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- Has a fit (seizure), or signs of dehydration such as very few wet nappies
- Has had a fever for more than 5 days
In an emergency call 112 (India) or 911 (US). This tool gives general information, not medical advice.
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