Broselow Tape Calculator — Pediatric Emergency Reference
The Broselow tape is a color-coded length-based system for estimating pediatric weight and providing standardized emergency drug doses and equipment sizes in critically ill children.
About
Developed by Dr. James Broselow, the Broselow tape is a rapid assessment tool used in pediatric emergencies to estimate weight from length, facilitating accurate drug dosing and equipment selection. It is a critical component of pediatric resuscitation, particularly when weighing a child is impractical. The tape uses 10 color zones (Grey through Brown) corresponding to specific length ranges and estimated weights. Each zone includes pre-calculated emergency drug doses (epinephrine, atropine, amiodarone, etc.) and equipment sizes (ET tube, LMA, etc.). The system has been validated across diverse populations but provides approximations that should be confirmed with actual weight when available.
Formula
Weight (kg) estimated from length using Broselow color zones. Emergency drug doses calculated per kg.
The Broselow tape maps the child's length to one of 10 color zones. Each zone provides an estimated weight range and standardized emergency drug doses and equipment sizes.
Score Interpretation
The Broselow tape is an essential tool in pediatric emergency medicine, widely used in emergency departments, ambulances, and pediatric ICUs worldwide. It reduces medication errors by providing pre-calculated weight-based doses organized by color zone, enabling rapid decision-making during critical resuscitations.
Broselow Color Zone — 0+
Color-coded pediatric emergency reference.
Management: Use color zone for drug dosing and equipment selection.
Reference Ranges
| Population | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children 44-150 cm (approx 0-12 years) | 10 Broselow color zones | Updated Broselow 2022 edition with revised weight ranges |
Dr. Khaled Hassan
Dr. Khaled is a cardiology consultant with experience in acute cardiac care.
View medical review board & editorial policy →Example Calculation
A 3-year-old child with length 95 cm falls in the Yellow zone (85-95 cm, 12-15 kg). Estimated weight: ~14 kg. Epinephrine (1:10,000) dose: 0.15 mg (1.5 mL) IV/IO. Choose 4.5-5.0 mm ET tube.
Related Medications
Common Mistakes
Relying solely on Broselow weight estimation when actual weight is available
Use actual weight for dosing when available. Broselow is an approximation for emergency situations where weighing is impractical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Broselow tape?
References
- Lubitz DS, Seidel JS, Chameides L, et al. A rapid method for estimating weight and resuscitation drug doses from length in the pediatric age group. Ann Emerg Med. 1988;17(6):576-581. PubMed