Parkland Formula Calculator for Burn Resuscitation
Estimate initial 24-hour IV fluid resuscitation volume (Lactated Ringer's) for partial and full-thickness burn patients using body weight and % Total Body Surface Area (% TBSA).
Patient Parameters
Enter patient weight and burn percentage.
Only include 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
Critical Reminder
The Parkland Formula is a guideline. Fluid resuscitation should be titrated to urine output (0.5-1.0 ml/kg/hr for adults).
Fluid Requirement
Total Volume (Lactated Ringer's)
Formula
- Time is calculated from the time of injury, not time of arrival.
- Used for burns > 20% TBSA.
- Source: Baxter CR. (1974)
🔥 Rule of Nines % TBSA Reference Guide
Only count 2nd-degree (partial thickness) and 3rd-degree (full thickness) burns when estimating % TBSA. Exclude 1st-degree superficial erythema.
| Body Region | Adult (% TBSA) | Child / Infant (% TBSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Head & Neck | 9% total (4.5% front, 4.5% back) | 18% total (9% front, 9% back) |
| Anterior Trunk (Chest & Abdomen) | 18% | 18% |
| Posterior Trunk (Back & Buttocks) | 18% | 18% |
| Each Upper Extremity (Arm) | 9% total (4.5% front, 4.5% back) | 9% total (4.5% front, 4.5% back) |
| Each Lower Extremity (Leg) | 18% total (9% front, 9% back) | 14% total (7% front, 7% back) |
| Perineum / Genitalia | 1% | 1% |
Clinical Overview & Administration Protocol
The Parkland formula is the gold-standard resuscitation formula recommended by the American Burn Association (ABA) for patients with major thermal injuries (>20% TBSA). Prompt administration of balanced crystalloids prevents burn shock, end-organ ischemia, and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Infusion Schedule
- First 8 Hours: Administer 50% of total calculated 24-hour volume starting from the time of burn injury (not time of ED arrival).
- Remaining 16 Hours: Administer the remaining 50% of the calculated volume at a constant rate.
- Resuscitation Endpoint: Titrate IV fluids to maintain a target urine output of 0.5 – 1.0 mL/kg/hr in adults (1.0 – 1.5 mL/kg/hr in pediatric patients).
High-Yield USMLE Board Tip:
Lactated Ringer's (LR) is preferred over Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) because large volumes of NS cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parkland Formula?
It is a formula used to calculate fluid resuscitation requirements for burn patients in the first 24 hours: 4 mL × Weight (kg) × % TBSA.
Why are 1st degree burns excluded?
Superficial 1st-degree burns (like superficial sun burns) do not disrupt the epidermal skin barrier or cause massive capillary leak, so they do not require systemic fluid resuscitation.
Ready to test your knowledge?
Practice high-yield USMLE Step 2 CK Emergency Medicine & Surgery questions on trauma, burns, and resuscitation algorithms.
Start USMLE Practice Quiz →