Respiratory

Driving Pressure Calculator

Plateau pressure minus PEEP, the pressure each breath adds; a high value means a small, stiff lung is being stretched.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

Pplat - PEEP

Reference: Target under about 15 cmH₂O

How it is used

• Driving pressure is the pressure each breath adds above PEEP: tidal volume divided by respiratory-system compliance, so it scales the breath to the lung that is open.
• Target: < 15 cmH₂O to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

If Driving Pressure is > 15 cmH₂O

• Decrease Tidal Volume (Vt).
• Consider optimizing PEEP (titrate to lowest driving pressure).
• Consider prone positioning in severe ARDS.

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Ventilator Modes and SettingsDriving pressure = plateau − PEEP; aim under about 15 (observational data)
• ARDSDriving pressure · Plateau − PEEP, aim under about 15 · Observational (Amato 2015); no guideline target
• Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary HypertensionARDS, high PEEP · Driving pressure under 18, PaCO₂ under 48, prone
• Airway and RSIPlateau pressure · Under 30 cm H₂O · Driving pressure ideally under 15

Related calculators

• A-a Gradient
• Alveolar Gas Equation (PAO₂)
• Arterial Oxygen Content (CaO₂)
• Dead Space Fraction (Bohr)
• Dynamic Compliance
• Minute Ventilation
• O₂ Extraction Ratio
• Oxygen Consumption (VO₂)

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.