Parkland Formula Calculator

Calculate IV fluid requirements for burn patients using the Parkland burn formula

EMERGENCY USE ONLY

This calculator is for trained medical professionals treating burn patients. Never delay emergency treatment.

Calculate Fluid Requirements

Patient's current body weight

Total Body Surface Area burned percentage

Body Areas with 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns (Rule of 9s)

Face, scalp, neck

Chest, abdomen, back

Both arms (9% each)

Both legs (18% each)

Genital area

Precise area calculations

Parkland Formula Results

0.0%
TBSA Burned
Total body surface area
0
mL over 24 hours
Total fluid requirement
0
mL/hour (0-8h)
Initial flow rate

Formula: 4 mL/kg/% TBSA for lactated Ringer's solution

Calculation: Enter values to see calculation

Example Calculation

Patient: 38-year-old male, 82 kg, 11.3% TBSA burns

Calculation: 4 × 82 kg × 11.3% = 3,698 mL over 24 hours

First 8 hours: 1,849 mL at 231 mL/hour

Next 16 hours: 1,849 mL at 115 mL/hour

Rule of 9s Reference (Adult)

Head & Neck9%
Each Arm9%
Chest/Abdomen18%
Back18%
Each Leg18%
Groin1%

Burn Classification

1st Degree

Superficial, red, dry

Not counted in TBSA

2nd Degree

Partial thickness, blisters

Counted in TBSA

3rd Degree

Full thickness, white/charred

Counted in TBSA

4th Degree

Muscle/bone involvement

Counted in TBSA

Critical Reminders

⚠️

Use lactated Ringer's solution

⚠️

Monitor urine output closely

⚠️

Adjust rates based on response

💡

Add maintenance fluids separately

Start within 24h of burn injury

Understanding the Parkland Burn Formula

What is the Parkland Formula?

The Parkland formula (also called the Baxter formula) is the gold standard for calculating initial fluid resuscitation requirements in burn patients. It was developed at Parkland Hospital and helps prevent burn shock by replacing lost fluid volume.

The Formula

Total Volume = 4 mL × Weight (kg) × % TBSA

First 8 hours: Half of total volume

Next 16 hours: Remaining half

Key Principles

  • • Only 2nd and 3rd degree burns are counted
  • • Uses lactated Ringer's solution preferred
  • • Time starts from burn injury, not hospital arrival
  • • Urine output should be 0.5-1 mL/kg/hour
  • • Adjust rates based on patient response
  • • Add maintenance fluids separately

Indications for Use

  • • Burns >15% TBSA in adults
  • • Burns >10% TBSA in children
  • • Electrical burns
  • • Inhalation injury

⚠️ CRITICAL MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

FOR TRAINED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY. This calculator provides estimates for initial fluid resuscitation using the Parkland formula. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment and must be used in conjunction with continuous patient monitoring.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Verify burn percentage assessment independently
  • Monitor urine output, vital signs, and mental status continuously
  • Adjust fluid rates based on patient response, not just calculations
  • Consider additional factors: inhalation injury, electrical burns, patient comorbidities
  • Use lactated Ringer's solution as first-line fluid
  • Start resuscitation within 24 hours of burn injury
  • Transfer severe burns to specialized burn centers immediately

This calculator does not replace proper burn assessment, clinical protocols, or emergency treatment guidelines. Always follow institutional policies and seek immediate specialist consultation for severe burns.