How to Calculate Parkland Burn Formula

What is Parkland Burn Formula?

The Parkland formula guides IV fluid resuscitation for burn patients in the first 24 hours using Lactated Ringer's. Half is given in the first 8 hours post-burn (not transfer).

Formula

Fluid (mL) = 4 × Body weight (kg) × %TBSA burned; Give half in first 8 hours, half in next 16 hours; Use Lactated Ringers (LR) solution

Weight: Body weight (kg)
TBSA: Total body surface area burned (Percentage (Rule of 9s))
Fluid4Hrs: Fluid in first 8 hours (mL)
Fluid16Hrs: Fluid in next 16 hours (mL)

Step-by-Step Guide

1Total 24h = 4 mL × Weight(kg) × %TBSA burned
2First 8h from burn: 50% of total
3Next 16h: 50% of total
4TBSA = Total Body Surface Area burned

Worked Examples

Input

80 kg patient, 30% TBSA burn

Result

Total = 9,600 mL; 4,800 mL over first 8h (600 mL/h)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Rule of 9s for %TBSA?

Head/neck: 9%, Each arm: 9%, Chest: 18%, Abdomen: 18%, Each leg: 18%, Perineum: 1%. Measure by body part involvement. Children differ (head 18%, leg 14%).

Why Lactated Ringers (LR) vs normal saline?

LR isotonic, contains potassium, more physiologic. NS can cause hyperchloremic acidosis. LR preferred in burn resuscitation (evidence-based). Monitor urine output (goal 0.5 mL/kg/hr adults).

Is Parkland formula always enough?

Starting point; adjust based on clinical response. Goal: urine output 0.5 mL/kg/hr (1 mL/kg/hr if inhalation injury). May need more in lightning strike, electrical burns. Serial labs essential.

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