Children's Ibuprofen Dose Calculator
Calculate the correct Children's Advil® or Motrin® dose for your child by weight in lbs or kg. Based on AAP guidelines (5–10 mg/kg per dose) for children 6 months and older — with mL dosing for standard 100 mg/5 mL concentration.
Ibuprofen is not recommended under 6 months (age 0–5 months)
Always check your product's label — concentrations vary.
Your inputs never leave your device. All calculations happen locally.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any health concerns.
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Children's Ibuprofen Dose Chart by Weight
Reference doses for standard Children's Advil® / Motrin® 100 mg / 5 mL liquid. Use the calculator above for a dose based on your child's exact weight.
| Child's Weight | Dose (mg) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 12–17 lb (5.4–7.9 kg) | 50 mg | 2.5 mL |
| 18–23 lb (8–10.4 kg) | 75 mg | 3.75 mL |
| 24–35 lb (10.5–15.9 kg) | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 36–47 lb (16–21.4 kg) | 150 mg | 7.5 mL |
| 48–59 lb (21.5–26.9 kg) | 200 mg | 10 mL |
| 60–71 lb (27–32.4 kg) | 250 mg | 12.5 mL |
| 72–95 lb (32.5–43.4 kg) | 300 mg | 15 mL |
| 96+ lb (43.5+ kg) | 400 mg | 20 mL |
Source: AAP & Healthychildren.org. Based on 100 mg/5 mL concentration. Always verify label before dosing.
Key Rules for Safe Ibuprofen Use
🚼 Not under 6 months
Ibuprofen is not approved for infants younger than 6 months of age.
⏱ Every 6–8 hours
Space doses at least 6 hours apart. Max 4 doses per 24 hours.
💧 Give with food/water
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Give with food, milk, or a full glass of water.
🏷️ Verify concentration
Check your product label. 100 mg/5 mL is the most common; some junior formulations differ.
⚠️ Avoid when dehydrated
Ibuprofen reduces kidney blood flow. In a dehydrated child (persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, poor fluid intake), this can cause kidney injury. In these situations, use acetaminophen and call your doctor.
⚠️ Overdose emergency
If you suspect too much ibuprofen, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or go to the emergency room.
When to Choose Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen
Both medications effectively reduce fever and pain in children. The choice depends on age, specific symptoms, and circumstances:
- Ibuprofen is generally preferred for inflammation — ear pain, sore throat, dental pain, muscle injuries, or post-vaccination limb swelling (age ≥ 6 months).
- Acetaminophen is preferred under 6 months and for children who are vomiting, dehydrated, or have kidney concerns.
- Ibuprofen may last slightly longer — effect duration is 6–8 hours vs 4–6 hours for acetaminophen, helpful overnight.
- Don't combine without medical advice — pairing both for “alternating dosing” increases error risk. Discuss with your pediatrician if a single medication isn't controlling symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the correct ibuprofen dose for my child?▾
The AAP guideline is 5–10 mg of ibuprofen per kilogram of body weight per dose. For standard Children's Advil or Motrin (100 mg/5 mL = 20 mg/mL), divide the dose in mg by 20 to get the dose in mL. Our calculator does this automatically when you enter your child's weight.
How often can I give my child ibuprofen?▾
Ibuprofen can be given every 6–8 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period. Space doses at least 6 hours apart — more than acetaminophen's minimum of 4 hours.
Can I give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months?▾
No — ibuprofen is not approved for infants younger than 6 months (24 weeks). For younger infants with fever or discomfort, consult your pediatrician. They may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) at appropriate doses.
Can I alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen for my child's fever?▾
Some pediatricians recommend alternating, but this is a topic of ongoing debate and should be discussed with your doctor first. The main concern is accidentally overdosing when alternating. If you do alternate, keeping a written log with times and doses of each medication is essential.
When is ibuprofen preferred over Tylenol?▾
Ibuprofen (an NSAID) has anti-inflammatory properties that acetaminophen lacks — making it better for pain from inflammation, such as ear infections, muscle aches, or teething. It also tends to have a slightly longer duration of action. However, ibuprofen should be avoided in dehydrated children, those with kidney concerns, or after certain surgeries.
What should I do if I give too much ibuprofen?▾
Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US), or take your child to the emergency room. Ibuprofen overdose can cause stomach irritation, kidney injury, and with large doses, neurological symptoms. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop.
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