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Tylenol and Motrin dosing calculator for kids

Find your child’s Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) dose by weight – fast, accurate, and based on official dosing charts. 

Tylenol & Motrin Dosing Calculator (Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen) – Parkside Kids Clinic
Parkside Kids Clinic

Pediatric Dosing Calculator

Tylenol & Motrin — official manufacturer dosing

💊
Children's Tylenol®
Acetaminophen · 160 mg / 5 mL liquid
Liquid Dose
—
Max Per Day
5 doses
Every 4 hours · max 5 doses/day
🩺
Children's Motrin® / Advil®
Ibuprofen · 100 mg / 5 mL liquid
Liquid Dose
—
Max Per Day
4 doses
Every 6–8 hours · max 4 doses/day
⚠️ Important Reminders
  • Always use the dosing device (syringe or cup) that came with the medicine — not a kitchen spoon.
  • Check the concentration on the bottle before every dose. This calculator uses the standard 160 mg/5 mL (Tylenol) and 100 mg/5 mL (Motrin) concentrations.
  • Do not give ibuprofen to infants under 6 months without a doctor's approval.
  • Do not give ibuprofen if your child is vomiting, dehydrated, or has chickenpox.
  • Do not give both medicines at the same time unless directed by your provider.
  • Do not use with any other product containing acetaminophen.
  • If your child is under 2 years old, contact your healthcare provider before dosing.
Dosing references: Tylenol.com  ·  Motrin.com  ·  HealthyChildren.org – Acetaminophen (AAP)  ·  HealthyChildren.org – Ibuprofen (AAP)

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: What's the Difference?

Acetaminophen Tylenol®
  • Reduces fever and pain
  • Gentle on an empty stomach
  • Can be used for infants under provider guidance
  • Max 5 doses in 24 hours
  • Check other meds for hidden acetaminophen
Ibuprofen Motrin® / Advil®
  • Reduces fever, pain, and inflammation
  • Best given with food or milk
  • Not for infants under 6 months
  • Max 4 doses in 24 hours
  • Avoid if vomiting or dehydrated
⚠️ Dosing infants under 24 months

Both medicines require extra caution for infants and toddlers. Acetaminophen dosing for children under 24 lbs or under 2 years, and any ibuprofen use under 6 months, should always be confirmed with your child's healthcare provider before giving a dose — don't rely on a calculator alone for this age group.

🚫 Never give aspirin to children

Aspirin is linked to Reye's syndrome — a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver. It should never be given to children or teenagers for fever or pain, even in small amounts. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are the safe alternatives for fever and pain relief.

Common Questions About Dosing

How do I calculate my child's Tylenol dose by weight?
Enter your child's weight in the calculator above. It matches their weight to the official weight-band dosing chart published by Tylenol® and Motrin®, rather than a raw mg/kg formula — this is the same method pediatric offices use.
Can I give Tylenol and Motrin at the same time, or alternate them?
Don't combine or alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless your child's provider has specifically told you to. It's sometimes done for stubborn fevers, but the timing and dosing needs to be individualized for your child — call us if you're unsure.
What's the generic name for Tylenol and Motrin?
Tylenol's generic name is acetaminophen (also called paracetamol outside the U.S.). Motrin and Advil's generic name is ibuprofen. Store-brand and generic versions work the same as the name brand at the same concentration.
Is infant Tylenol different from children's Tylenol?
Manufacturers now use the same concentration (160 mg/5 mL) across infant and children's liquid acetaminophen to help prevent dosing mix-ups — but always check the label on your specific bottle, since concentrations can still vary by brand or product type.
How often can I give my child Tylenol or Motrin?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be given every 4 hours, up to 5 doses in 24 hours. Ibuprofen (Motrin®/Advil®) can be given every 6–8 hours, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. Never exceed the daily maximum for either medicine.

Still not sure? We're here 7 days a week.

If your child's fever won't come down, or you're unsure about dosing, a same-day visit gives you real answers — not just a chart.

Book a Same-Day Visit → 📞 832-990-8606
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer

This dosing calculator is provided by Parkside Kids Clinic as a general reference tool for parents and caregivers. It is based on the official dosing charts published by Tylenol® (Kenvue) and Motrin® (Kenvue) and is intended for otherwise healthy children 2 years of age and older.

This tool does not replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations of a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your child's provider before giving any medication, especially if your child is under 2 years old, has a chronic health condition, takes other medications, or has a known allergy to any ingredient.

Dosing information is based on official charts from Tylenol.com, Motrin.com, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) via HealthyChildren.org – Acetaminophen and HealthyChildren.org – Ibuprofen.

In case of overdose or emergency, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.