# Carboplatin Dose Calculator (Calvert Formula)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/carboplatin/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The carboplatin calculator uses the Calvert formula to work out a carboplatin dose from the target AUC and glomerular filtration rate (often estimated by Cockcroft–Gault creatinine clearance), with the GFR capped at 125 mL/min as recommended by the FDA.

## Inputs

- Target AUC (mg/mL·min)
- Sex
- Age (years)
- Weight (kg, lb, st, g)
- Serum creatinine (mg/dL, µmol/L)
- Measured GFR (0 = estimate) (mL/min)

## Results

- GFR used (capped at 125)
- Carboplatin dose
- Maximum dose at this AUC (GFR 125)

## Formula

```
Dose (mg) = target AUC × (GFR + 25)
GFR estimated by Cockcroft–Gault: (140 − age) × weight ÷ (72 × creatinine) × 0.85 if female; capped at 125 mL/min
```

## Explanation

Carboplatin is cleared almost entirely by the kidneys, so its dose is based on kidney function rather than body surface area. The Calvert formula targets a set drug exposure (AUC, usually 4–7 mg/mL·min). Oncology teams verify every chemotherapy dose independently.

### How to use the Carboplatin Dose Calculator

- **Target AUC**
- **Sex**
- **Age**
- **Weight**
- **Serum creatinine**
- **Measured GFR (0 = estimate)**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the target AUC and the patient's details, or a measured GFR. This calculator is for professional reference only.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTarget AUCIn mg/mL·minSexChoose one: Male, FemaleAgeIn yearsWeightUnits: kg, lb, st, gSerum creatinineUnits: mg/dL, µmol/LMeasured GFR (0 = estimate)In mL/min

### What each result means

- **Carboplatin dose** = [Target AUC]×([GFR used (capped at 125)] + 25)
- **Maximum dose at this AUC (GFR 125)** = [Target AUC]×150

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Target AUC** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Target AUC (mg/mL·min)Carboplatin dose (mg)2.52573.7538555146.256427.5771101,028
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Target AUC: 5 mg/mL·min; Sex: Male; Age: 60 years; Weight: 70 kg; Serum creatinine: 1 mg/dL; Measured GFR (0 = estimate): 0 mL/min.

Results — GFR used (capped at 125) = 78 mL/min; **Carboplatin dose = 514 mg**; Maximum dose at this AUC (GFR 125) = 750 mg.

## Key terms

- **AUC**: Area under the concentration–time curve (drug exposure).

## FAQ

**Why is GFR capped at 125 mL/min?**
To avoid overdosing, as recommended by the FDA in 2010 with modern creatinine assays.

**Why add 25?**
It represents non-renal clearance of carboplatin.

**Should creatinine below 0.7 be rounded up?**
Many protocols use a minimum creatinine of 0.7 mg/dL, as here.


## Sources

- [Calvert AH et al. Carboplatin dosage: prospective evaluation of a simple formula based on renal function. J Clin Oncol, 1989](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2681557/)
- [U.S. FDA – Carboplatin dosing (2010)](https://www.fda.gov/)