Tylenol · For clinicians and parents
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dose per kg for children
The usual single dose of acetaminophen for a child is 15 mg/kg, repeated every 4 to 6 hours if needed, with no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. The published weight-band tables that parents use work out to mostly 10 to 15 mg/kg per dose (a little lower for the lightest babies). In 160 mg/5 mL liquid, 15 mg/kg is 0.47 mL per kg.
Source: Italian Journal of Pediatrics · St. Louis Children's Hospital
Dose per kg calculator
What each weight band works out to in mg/kg
| Weight band | Dose | 160 mg/5 mL | Works out to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 lb2.7-5.4 kg | 40 mg | 1.25 mL | 7.4-14.7 mg/kg |
| 12-17 lb5.4-8.2 kg | 80 mg | 2.5 mL | 9.8-14.7 mg/kg |
| 18-23 lb8.2-10.9 kg | 120 mg | 3.75 mL | 11-14.7 mg/kg |
| 24-35 lb10.9-16.3 kg | 160 mg | 5 mL | 9.8-14.7 mg/kg |
| 36-47 lb16.3-21.8 kg | 240 mg | 7.5 mL | 11-14.7 mg/kg |
| 48-59 lb21.8-27.2 kg | 320 mg | 10 mL | 11.8-14.7 mg/kg |
| 60-71 lb27.2-32.7 kg | 400 mg | 12.5 mL | 12.2-14.7 mg/kg |
| 72-95 lb32.7-43.5 kg | 480 mg | 15 mL | 11-14.7 mg/kg |
| 96+ lb43.5+ kg | 640 mg | 20 mL | up to 14.7 mg/kg |
Doses: St. Louis Children's Hospital. mg/kg is arithmetic on those doses.
Why use mg/kg at all?
For parents, the weight-band chart is the simplest tool: one amount per weight range, matching the syringe marks. Clinicians use mg/kg to dose children at the edges of a band, children who are very small or large for their age, and to double-check a band dose. See the full Tylenol chart.
Limits
- No more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
- Babies under 12 weeks: don’t give it without a doctor, and a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs medical care right away.
- Count every product that contains acetaminophen, including cold and flu medicines.
Common questions
What is the Tylenol dose per kg for a child?
The usual single dose is 15 mg/kg, given every 4 to 6 hours, with no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Published weight tables work out to mostly 10 to 15 mg/kg per dose, because each weight band gets one fixed amount.
How do I convert my child’s weight to kg?
Divide pounds by 2.2. A 33 lb child weighs about 15 kg.
Is paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Yes. Paracetamol is the name used outside the US and Canada. Check the strength on the bottle, since products abroad come in different strengths.
Sources
- Adverse reactions to acetaminophen and ibuprofen in pediatric patients: a narrative review (Vassallo et al.). Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2025 (PMC12570521). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dose Table. St. Louis Children's Hospital (Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines). Checked 2026-09-18.
- Acetaminophen Dosing Tables for Fever and Pain in Infants & Children. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org (updated 30 Jan 2026). Checked 2026-09-18.