Calculate driving pressure from plateau pressure and PEEP, plus estimate static compliance and mechanical power in ventilated patients.

Driving Pressure Calculator

cmH₂O
Measured during an inspiratory hold on a ventilator.
cmH₂O
Positive end-expiratory pressure.
mL
Used to estimate static compliance when entered.
Result
Formula Driving Pressure = Plateau Pressure – PEEP
Plateau Pressure
PEEP
Estimated Static Compliance

Driving Pressure Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Driving Pressure. 

Pd = PI - PE
  • Where Pd is the Driving Pressure (Pa)
  • PI is the inspiratory hold pressure (Pa) 
  • PE is the expiratory hold pressure (Pa) 

To calculate the driving pressure, subtract the expiratory hold pressure from the inspiratory hold pressure.

How to Calculate Driving Pressure?

The following two example problems outline how to calculate the Driving Pressure.

Example Problem #1:

  1. First, determine the inspiratory hold pressure (Pa). In this example, the inspiratory hold pressure (Pa) is given as 40.
  2. Next, determine the expiratory hold pressure (Pa). For this problem, the expiratory hold pressure (Pa) is given as 20.
  3. Finally, calculate the Driving Pressure using the equation above: 

Pd = PI - PE

Inserting the values from above and solving the equation: 

Pd = 40 - 20 = 20 (Pa)

Example Problem #2: 

Using the same process as above, first define the variables required by the formula. In this case, these values are:

inspiratory hold pressure (Pa) = 57

expiratory hold pressure (Pa) = 8

Entering these values yields:

Pd = 57 - 8 = 49 (Pa)