# Ventilator Tidal Volume by PBW (ARDSNet)

Compute lung-protective VT from ARDSNet predicted body weight (PBW). Male 50+0.91×(cm−152.4); female 45.5+0.91×(cm−152.4). VT = mL/kg×PBW (4–8, default 6). Reports full range and plateau-pressure target. Derived from ARDSNet NEJM 2000, Brower 2004, StatPearls, LITFL. Not medical advice.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/ventilator-tidal-volume

- **Category:** Health

- **Keywords:** tidal volume, ventilator, mechanical ventilation, predicted body weight, pbw, ideal body weight, ibw, ardsnet, lung protective ventilation, ards, critical care, intensive care

## Overview

The Ventilator Tidal Volume by PBW (ARDSNet) calculator estimates predicted body weight (PBW) from height and sex, then calculates a tidal volume using 4–8 mL/kg PBW, with 6 mL/kg as the default. It reports the selected volume, the 4–8 mL/kg range, and the plateau-pressure target. This tool is not medical advice.

## Inputs

- **Height (cm)** (number): Patient height in centimeters, used to derive predicted body weight (PBW).
- **Sex** (select): Sex, used to select the ARDSNet PBW formula (male base 50, female base 45.5).
- **Tidal Volume per kg PBW (mL/kg)** (number): Tidal volume per kg of PBW. Default 6 (lung-protective); range 4 (severe ARDS) to 8 (upper bound, requires plateau pressure < 30 cmH₂O).
- **Decimal Places** (number)

## When to use

- Estimate an ARDSNet-based tidal volume from a patient's height and sex.
- Compare standard 6 mL/kg ventilation with lower or higher values from the 4–8 mL/kg range.
- Review the calculated PBW and tidal-volume range before checking settings with the responsible clinical team.

## How it works

- Enter the patient's height in centimeters and select male or female.
- The calculator derives PBW using the corresponding ARDSNet formula.
- Choose a tidal-volume setting from 4 to 8 mL/kg PBW, or keep the default of 6 mL/kg.
- The result reports PBW, the selected tidal volume, the full 4–8 mL/kg range, and the applicable category.

## Use cases

- Estimate an initial lung-protective tidal volume for mechanical ventilation calculations.
- Evaluate lower 4 mL/kg settings in severe ARDS scenarios involving permissive hypercapnia.
- Document PBW-based tidal-volume calculations for education, review, or clinical discussion.

## Frequently asked questions

### What inputs does the calculator require?

It requires height in centimeters and sex. Tidal volume per kg PBW and decimal places are optional.

### What is the default tidal volume setting?

The default is 6 mL/kg PBW, described as the standard lung-protective setting.

### What tidal-volume range can I enter?

The calculator accepts values from 4 to 8 mL/kg PBW in 0.5 mL/kg steps.

### How is predicted body weight calculated?

For males, PBW is 50 + 0.91 × (height in cm − 152.4). For females, it is 45.5 + 0.91 × (height in cm − 152.4).

### Does this calculator replace clinical judgment?

No. It provides a calculation based on the stated ARDSNet formulas and is not medical advice.

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