Paediatric Dosing Calculators
Paediatric calculators for weight-based dosing (mg/kg), unit safety (mcg vs mg), and converting total dose to volume (mg/mL) — with formulas and worked examples.
Paediatric Dose (mg/kg → mg)
Convert weight-based dose to total mg
Paediatric Dose (mcg/kg → mcg)
Convert weight-based mcg dose
Paediatric Dose (mg/kg → mL)
Convert mg/kg order to measurable volume
Paediatric Dose (mcg/kg → mL)
Convert mcg/kg order to measurable volume
Paediatric Dose (units/kg → units)
Convert weight-based units dose
Paediatric Dose (units/kg → mL)
Convert units/kg order to measurable volume
Max Dose Cap Applied
Apply safety ceiling to calculated dose
Paediatric Dose Range (mg/kg)
Calculate safe dosing range
How Paediatric Calculations Work
Paediatric dosing is commonly weight-based and starts with an accurate weight in kilograms (kg). This ensures the dose is appropriate for the child's size and prevents serious dosing errors.
The typical steps are: (1) calculate the total dose from mg/kg or mcg/kg by multiplying the per-kg dose by weight, (2) if required, convert the total dose into a measurable volume (mL) using the medication concentration (mg/mL or mcg/mL), and (3) emphasise unit checking and rounding at each step.
Common Paediatric Calculations Explained
mg/kg to total dose (mg)
Use this when a dose is written per kilogram. Multiply by weight (kg) to get the total dose in mg.
Example question:
The order is 8 mg/kg. The child weighs 18 kg. What is the total dose in mg?
Worked example:
Tip: Per-kg dose × kg = total dose.
mcg/kg to total dose (mcg)
Some orders use micrograms (mcg). Calculate total mcg first, then convert to mg if needed.
Example question:
The order is 6 mcg/kg. The child weighs 12 kg. What is the total dose in mcg?
Worked example:
Tip: Calculate in the same unit as the order first.
mg/kg to mL (using concentration)
After you calculate total mg, convert it into a measurable volume (mL) using the medication concentration (mg/mL).
Example question:
The order is 10 mg/kg. Weight is 20 kg. Concentration is 50 mg/mL. How many mL is required?
Volume (mL) = Total dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL)
Worked example:
Tip: Total mg first, then divide by mg/mL to get mL.
When These Calculators Are Used
- •Converting weight-based orders (mg/kg or mcg/kg) into a total dose
- •Converting a calculated dose into a measurable volume (mg/mL → mL)
- •Double-checking unit safety (mcg vs mg) before preparation
- •Recalculating doses after an updated weight is recorded
- •Learning/studying weight-based dosing fundamentals
Clinical safety note: Always use a current weight in kilograms (kg), confirm units (mcg vs mg), confirm concentration, and follow local protocols. These calculators support calculation checking but do not replace professional judgement. Examples on this page are for calculation practice only.
Related Calculator Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.
Always confirm weight (kg), units, and concentration before calculating.