Tidal Volume Recommendation

Enter patient height to calculate IBW-based tidal volumes. Supports ARDSnet lung-protective strategies (4–8 mL/kg IBW).

Sex

Height (cm)

Target tidal volume (mL/kg IBW)

ARDSnet recommends 4–8 mL/kg (default 6 mL/kg).

Results

Ideal body weight

70.5 kg

Devine formula

Tidal volume (@ 6 mL/kg)

423 mL

Adjust for plateau pressure and driving pressure targets.

Protective VT range (4–8 mL/kg)

282 – 564 mL

Start at 6 mL/kg and titrate as tolerated.

Clinical pearls:

Monitor plateau pressure (<30 cm H₂O) and driving pressure (<15 cm H₂O).
Adjust FiO₂/PEEP per ARDSnet or institutional protocols after setting appropriate VT.

How to Use This Calculator

IBW anchors lung-protective VT. Use standing height; adjust for amputations by estimating height. Start at 6 mL/kg IBW for ARDS. Lower to 4 mL/kg if plateau pressure remains high after optimizing PEEP. Reassess compliance, acid-base status, and patient effort. Modify VT and respiratory rate to maintain permissive hypercapnia targets.

Formula

IBW (male) = 50 + 2.3 × (height(in) − 60).

Frequently Asked Questions

No—use IBW, not actual body weight. Obesity does not change lung size significantly. For pressure support, aim for spontaneous VT within protective range, adjusting support and sedation. Rarely—only when plateau pressure and driving pressure remain low and ventilation is inadequate despite other adjustments. VT targets remain the same; proning improves oxygenation and compliance allowing lower FiO₂/PEEP. Pediatric ventilation uses weight-based dosing (5–8 mL/kg actual weight) and different calculators; this tool targets adults.