Parkland Burn Formula Calculator
The Parkland formula (Baxter formula) guides fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hours following a major burn injury. It calculates the total volume of lactated Ringer's solution: 4 mL multiplied by patient weight in kilograms multiplied by the percent of total body surface area (%TBSA) affected by second- and third-degree burns. Half this volume is given in the first 8 hours from the time of the burn injury; the remaining half is given over the next 16 hours. Resuscitation should be titrated to urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults and 1 mL/kg/hr in children (1-30 kg). This tool is for educational reference only; all burn resuscitation decisions require direct clinical assessment by qualified burn care professionals.
Parkland formula
Total 24h volume (mL) = 4 x weight (kg) x %TBSA
First 8h: give 50% of total = Total / 2
Rate first 8h (mL/hr) = First 8h volume / 8
Next 16h: remaining 50% at Rate = Second half / 16
The 8-hour clock starts at the TIME OF BURN, not time of arrival. If 2 hours have already elapsed before admission, the first 8h half must be delivered in 6 hours. Fluid should be adjusted every 1-2 hours to maintain urine output targets.
Rule of Nines for %TBSA estimation (adults)
- Head and neck: 9%.
- Each arm: 9% (total 18%).
- Anterior trunk: 18%.
- Posterior trunk: 18%.
- Each leg: 18% (total 36%).
- Perineum: 1%.
- Only count second- and third-degree burns. Superficial burns (first-degree) do not count.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Parkland formula?
The Parkland formula (also called the Baxter formula) calculates the volume of lactated Ringer's solution for burn resuscitation in the first 24 hours: Total volume = 4 mL x weight (kg) x %TBSA burned. Half is given in the first 8 hours from the time of the burn (not from arrival); the remaining half is given over the next 16 hours.
What is %TBSA and how is it estimated?
Total body surface area (%TBSA) burned refers to the percentage of skin affected by second- and third-degree burns. Superficial (first-degree) burns, similar to sunburn, are not counted. The Rule of Nines provides quick estimation: head and neck = 9%, each arm = 9%, each leg = 18%, anterior trunk = 18%, posterior trunk = 18%, perineum = 1%. The Lund-Browder chart gives more accurate estimates, especially in children.
Why is the first 8 hours critical in burn resuscitation?
Massive fluid shifts occur in the first 8-24 hours after a major burn due to increased capillary permeability. Early, adequate resuscitation prevents burn shock, organ dysfunction, and mortality. Half the 24-hour Parkland volume is administered in the first 8 hours (from time of burn) to address the peak phase of fluid loss.
What fluid is used in the Parkland formula?
Lactated Ringer's (LR) solution is the standard crystalloid for burn resuscitation. It is isotonic and has an electrolyte composition closer to plasma than normal saline. The Modified Brooke formula uses 2 mL/kg/%TBSA LR plus colloid in the second 24 hours, but the Parkland formula (4 mL/kg/%TBSA) remains most widely used.
Are there limitations to the Parkland formula?
The Parkland formula is a starting point. Actual fluid administration should be titrated to urine output targets (0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults, 1 mL/kg/hr in children), hemodynamics, and clinical response. Infants, patients with inhalation injury, and those with electrical burns may require modified volumes. Colloid may be added after the first 24 hours.
Official sources
- American Burn Association: Burn Care Guidelines and Resources.
- NIH National Library of Medicine: Burn Resuscitation (StatPearls, NCBI).
- CDC Burn Prevention: Burns and Scalds.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.