Use an Oral Syringe
Always use the calibrated oral syringe, dosing cup, or dropper that came in the product package.
Medical Dosage Calculator
Teaspoon to MG Medicine Calculator — Liquid Medication Dosage
Convert liquid medication teaspoon measurements into exact active active drug milligrams (mg) using product bottle concentration.
Liquid Medicine Converter1 tsp = 5.0 mL (Medical)
Active Drug Delivered1 tsp (5 mL) at 32 mg/mL
160 mg
Formula
mg = 5.0 mL × 32 mg/mL = 160 mg01
Common Pediatric Liquid Medication Concentrations
| Medication | Bottle Concentration | Strength per 1 mL | Active mg in 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) | Active mg in 1 tsp (5.0 mL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | 160 mg / 5 mL | 32 mg/mL | 80 mg | 160 mg |
| Children's Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) | 100 mg / 5 mL | 20 mg/mL | 50 mg | 100 mg |
| Infant's Ibuprofen Drops | 50 mg / 1.25 mL | 40 mg/mL | 100 mg | 200 mg |
| Amoxicillin Suspension (Standard) | 125 mg / 5 mL | 25 mg/mL | 62.5 mg | 125 mg |
| Amoxicillin Suspension (Forte) | 250 mg / 5 mL | 50 mg/mL | 125 mg | 250 mg |
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5 Critical Rules for Liquid Medication Dosing
Never Use Silverware
Kitchen spoons hold between 2 mL and 10 mL. Using one can easily cause a dangerous pediatric overdose.
Check the Concentration
Different brands have different strengths (e.g. 160 mg/5 mL vs 100 mg/5 mL). Never assume all liquids are equal.
Weight-Based Dosing
Pediatric drug doses are based on the child’s body weight in kilograms, NOT their age. Consult your doctor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Dosing
How many milligrams (mg) are in 1 teaspoon of liquid medicine?
There is NO universal mg amount in a teaspoon of medicine! Liquid medication dosage depends entirely on the drug concentration stated on the bottle label (e.g. 160 mg per 5 mL, or 100 mg per 5 mL). For example, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of children’s acetaminophen contains 160 mg, whereas 1 teaspoon of children’s ibuprofen contains only 100 mg.
Why should I NEVER use a household silverware teaspoon for medicine?
Household silverware teaspoons are decorative, not standardized. Medical studies show dining spoons hold anywhere between 2 mL and 10 mL of liquid, which can lead to dangerous 2x to 3x overdosing or severe underdosing. Always use a pharmacy oral dosing syringe or calibrated cup.
How many mL is considered a medical teaspoon?
In modern medicine, pharmacy, and hospital practice, 1 teaspoon is universally standardized to exactly 5.0 mL.
How do I calculate mg from liquid concentration on my medicine bottle?
Find the concentration on the label (e.g., 250 mg per 5 mL). Divide mg by mL to get the strength per mL (250 ÷ 5 = 50 mg/mL). Then multiply by the volume given (e.g., 5 mL = 250 mg; 2.5 mL = 125 mg).
What should I do if a prescription says "take 1 tsp" but my syringe is in mL?
Give exactly 5.0 mL. 1 medicinal teaspoon equals 5.0 mL. For 1/2 teaspoon, give 2.5 mL. For 1/4 teaspoon, give 1.25 mL.
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