Acetaminophen dose chart by weight
Find your child's weight in pounds in the first column, then read across to the dose for the product you have. Weight gives the most accurate dose. Use the age column only if you do not know your child's weight.
In this chart, Infants' and Children's Tylenol liquid are the same strength: 160 mg in every 5 mL. Always check that the box says 160 mg/5 mL before you use this chart.
| Weight (lb) | Age | Liquid 160 mg/5 mL | Chewable 160 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–11 lb | 0–3 months | 1.25 mL | Not used |
| 12–17 lb | 4–11 months | 2.5 mL | Not used |
| 18–23 lb | 12–23 months | 3.75 mL | Not used |
| 24–35 lb | 2–3 years | 5 mL | 1 tablet |
| 36–47 lb | 4–5 years | 7.5 mL | 1½ tablets |
| 48–59 lb | 6–8 years | 10 mL | 2 tablets |
| 60–71 lb | 9–10 years | 12.5 mL | 2½ tablets |
| 72–95 lb | 11 years | 15 mL | 3 tablets |
| 96 lb or more | 12 years or older | Use adult tablets | Use adult tablets |
Other forms: dissolvable packets and adult tablets
Older children can sometimes take other forms of acetaminophen. Match the weight to the right line below.
- 48–71 lb (6–10 years): 2 dissolvable packets (160 mg each), or 1 adult regular strength tablet (325 mg)
- 72–95 lb (11 years): 3 dissolvable packets (160 mg each), or 1 adult regular strength tablet (325 mg)
- 96 lb or more (12 years or older): 2 adult regular strength tablets (325 mg), or 2 adult extra strength tablets (500 mg) every 6 hours, no more than 6 in 24 hours
How often can you give Tylenol?
You can give acetaminophen every 4 hours if needed. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
You do not need to wake a sleeping child to give a fever medicine.
Babies and young children
Babies need extra care. If your baby weighs under 6 pounds, call your child's doctor before giving any medicine.
A baby under 12 weeks old with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs to be seen by a doctor right away. Do not give medicine first unless the doctor tells you to.
For children under 2 years, the AAP advises checking with your child's doctor before giving acetaminophen.
Stay safe with fever medicine
These simple steps help you give the right amount every time.
- Check the strength on the box. It must match the line you are reading.
- Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, never a kitchen spoon.
- Do not give two medicines with the same ingredient. Many cold medicines also contain acetaminophen.
- Do not give aspirin to children or teens.
When to call the doctor or get care now
Some signs mean your child needs to be seen, even if fever medicine helps.
- Your baby is under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Fever over 104°F (40°C), or fever for more than 3 days
- Very sleepy or hard to wake, trouble breathing, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Signs of dehydration, such as few wet diapers
- A seizure, or you are worried
Use the free tool
For parents: how much children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen to give by weight, in mL or tablets.
Open Tylenol & Motrin Dose →Common questions
How many mL of children's Tylenol for a 30 lb child?
A child who weighs 24 to 35 pounds (usually 2 to 3 years old) gets 5 mL of the 160 mg/5 mL liquid, or 1 chewable 160 mg tablet. You can repeat it every 4 hours if needed, up to 5 doses in 24 hours.
Is Infants' Tylenol stronger than Children's Tylenol?
No. Infants' and Children's acetaminophen liquids are both 160 mg in 5 mL, so the mL dose for a given weight is the same. Always read the strength on the box to be sure it matches the chart.
Should I use weight or age to dose Tylenol?
Use weight whenever you know it, because it gives the most accurate dose. Use age only if you do not know your child's weight.
Can I give Tylenol to my newborn?
A baby under 12 weeks with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should be seen by a doctor right away, and you should not give medicine first unless the doctor says so. Under 6 pounds, call the doctor before any medicine.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Acetaminophen Dosing Tables for Fever and Pain in Children (updated January 30, 2026).
For education only, not medical advice. Always confirm against current guidelines and your child’s doctor. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.