About this calculator
This pediatric ibuprofen calculator estimates a single oral dose from your child's weight and the liquid concentration on the medicine label. It is designed for education and dose-checking only. It does not replace your child's clinician, pharmacist, product label, or local poison control service.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID, so safety depends on age, hydration status, kidney history, allergy history, other medicines, and the exact product concentration. Do not use this tool for babies under 6 months unless a doctor has specifically instructed you.
Uses an educational pediatric oral ibuprofen estimate of 10 mg/kg per dose, not exceeding 400 mg per dose, with label-based frequency safeguards: repeat only every 6–8 hours if needed and no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. The calculator blocks self-dosing for children under 6 months and escalates warnings for dehydration, vomiting/diarrhea, kidney disease, NSAID allergy, duplicate NSAID products, and complex medical history.
Formula active with NSAID safety guardrails
Educational estimate; not a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Formula and method
Single dose estimate = weight in kg × 10 mg/kg, capped at 400 mg per dose. Liquid volume = dose in mg ÷ concentration in mg per 5 mL × 5. The result also displays a 24-hour ceiling based on the lower of 40 mg/kg/day, 4 calculated doses, or 1,600 mg/day. Caregivers should follow the exact product label or clinician instructions when stricter.
Frequently asked questions
How does this calculator estimate a pediatric ibuprofen dose?+
It converts the child's weight to kilograms, estimates one oral dose at 10 mg/kg, caps the single dose at 400 mg, then converts the milligram dose into mL using the liquid concentration you enter from the bottle label.
Can I give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months?+
Do not use ibuprofen in children under 6 months unless the child's doctor specifically tells you to. This calculator blocks self-dosing output for that age group.
How often can children's ibuprofen be given?+
AAP and OTC label guidance commonly uses every 6 to 8 hours if needed, with no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Always follow the product label or clinician instructions if stricter.
Why does dehydration matter for ibuprofen?+
Ibuprofen can be risky in children who are not drinking well or who have lost a lot of fluid from vomiting or diarrhea. In that situation, ask a clinician before giving ibuprofen.
What if I may have given too much ibuprofen?+
Get medical help or contact Poison Control right away. Do not wait for symptoms if an overdose may have occurred.