Educational tool only. Not medical advice. Always confirm with a clinician or pharmacist and read the product label carefully.
This pediatric dosage calculator helps you estimate general weight-based reference dose ranges for Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen, including an approximate syrup mL estimate for common concentrations.
A pediatric dosage calculator helps estimate a general dose range based on a child’s body weight for common medicines. Many children’s medicines are dosed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight, so weight is often the most useful starting point for estimating a common reference dose.
This page focuses on two medicines that caregivers often search for: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen. It can help you understand the usual mg range per dose and, for common syrups, an approximate mL amount based on the selected concentration.
This tool is for informational purposes only. It is not a prescription and does not replace the medicine label, a pharmacist, or a clinician. Age, medical conditions, dehydration, vomiting, allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, and other factors may affect whether a medicine is appropriate.
For many children’s medicines, dosing is commonly estimated by body weight using a reference range such as mg per kg per dose. The total dose is then converted into a practical amount depending on the medicine form used.
The number of milliliters needed depends on how strong the liquid medicine is. For example, one paracetamol syrup may contain 120 mg per 5 mL, while another may contain 250 mg per 5 mL. The stronger syrup will require a smaller number of milliliters for the same mg dose.
That is why it is essential to check the product label every time. Two bottles of the same medicine may not have the same concentration.
Extra caution is needed in the following situations:
In these situations, professional medical advice is especially important before giving medication.
If a child weighs 12 kg, a general reference range for paracetamol may be: 120–180 mg per dose.
If the syrup concentration is 120 mg / 5 mL, that may correspond to about 5–7.5 mL per dose.
If the same child uses a syrup concentration of 250 mg / 5 mL, the mL amount would be lower even though the mg dose remains the same.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if:
Pediatric medicine dosing is often estimated using the child’s body weight and the specific medicine involved. General mg per kg reference ranges may be used for common medicines, but the product label and a healthcare professional should always be checked.
No. This tool is educational only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always confirm the exact dose with a clinician or pharmacist and follow the product label.
Ibuprofen is commonly avoided under 6 months unless specifically advised by a clinician. For infants, dosing decisions should be made with professional guidance.
Different bottles may contain different strengths, such as 120 mg per 5 mL or 250 mg per 5 mL. The same mg dose will correspond to a different number of milliliters depending on the syrup concentration.
No. This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the product label carefully and consult a clinician or pharmacist if you are unsure.
This pediatric dosage calculator is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a prescription or diagnostic tool and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
Want to better understand prescriptions and avoid medication mistakes? Read our expert guides:
Last updated: March 2026
