Tidal Volume Calculator
Calculate ideal tidal volume and ETT depth for mechanical ventilation
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical judgment. Mechanical ventilation settings should only be determined by qualified healthcare professionals with appropriate training in critical care medicine. Always verify calculations and consider individual patient factors.
Calculate Tidal Volume
Patient height for IBW calculation
Sex affects ideal body weight calculation
Ventilation Parameters
Lung-Protective Ventilation Guidelines
Example Calculation
COVID-19 Patient Requiring Intubation
Patient: 65-year-old female, 167 cm tall
Clinical Scenario: Severe COVID-19 with respiratory failure
IBW: 45.5 + 2.3 × (65.75 - 60) = 58.7 kg
ETT Depth: 0.1 × 167 + 4 = 20.7 cm
Ventilation Settings
Tidal Volume Range: 352-470 mL (6-8 mL/kg)
Recommended TV: 411 mL (7 mL/kg)
Mode: Lung-protective ventilation strategy
Goal: Minimize VILI while ensuring adequate ventilation
ETT Indications
General Surgery
Mechanical breathing support and anesthetic delivery
Airway Protection
Prevent aspiration in unconscious patients
Respiratory Failure
Support breathing in pneumonia, ARDS, COVID-19
Neonatal Care
Premature infants with respiratory distress
Reference Values
Safety Considerations
Always use IBW, not actual body weight
Verify ETT placement with auscultation and capnography
Monitor plateau pressures to prevent barotrauma
Consider PEEP and FiO₂ adjustments as needed
Regular arterial blood gas monitoring
Understanding Tidal Volume and Mechanical Ventilation
What is Tidal Volume?
Tidal volume (TV) is the volume of air exchanged between the lungs and external environment during normal, quiet breathing. In healthy adults, this is typically around 500 mL per breath or 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight. For mechanically ventilated patients, calculating the appropriate tidal volume is crucial for lung protection.
Lung-Protective Ventilation
- •Prevents ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)
- •Reduces mortality in ARDS patients
- •Minimizes barotrauma and volutrauma
- •Standard of care in critical illness
Calculation Formulas
IBW (Male): 50 + 2.3 × (height[in] - 60)
IBW (Female): 45.5 + 2.3 × (height[in] - 60)
Tidal Volume: 6-8 mL/kg IBW
ETT Depth: 0.1 × height[cm] + 4
ETT Tube Characteristics
Size Range: 2.0-10.5 mm (neonates to adults)
Length: Calculated based on patient height
Placement: Verified by auscultation and CO₂ detection
Complications: Right main bronchus intubation, esophageal placement
Clinical Considerations
- ⚠️These calculations provide starting points - adjust based on patient response
- ⚠️Monitor plateau pressures, blood gases, and clinical parameters
- ⚠️Consider patient-specific factors: disease process, lung compliance
- ⚠️Always confirm ETT placement and positioning radiographically