What burns are included in the TBSA calculation?

Only partial-thickness (second-degree) and full-thickness (third-degree) burns count toward TBSA for fluid resuscitation. Superficial (first-degree) burns, such as sunburn, are excluded because they do not cause significant fluid shifts.

When does the 8-hour clock start — at time of burn or hospital arrival?

The 8-hour clock starts at the time of the burn, not the time of arrival. If the patient arrives 2 hours after the burn, the first-period dose must be delivered in the remaining 6 hours, which means a higher infusion rate.

What fluid does the Parkland formula use?

The Parkland formula specifies Lactated Ringer's (LR) solution for the first 24 hours. Normal saline is not recommended as the large sodium load can cause hyperchloremic acidosis. Colloids may be added after 24 hours per institutional protocol.

Can the Parkland formula be used for pediatric burns?

Classic Parkland fluid calculation without dextrose is restricted to adults and older children (≥30 kg). Pediatric burn patients have limited glycogen reserves and require weight-based maintenance fluids containing dextrose (such as D5LR via Holliday-Segar) alongside resuscitation crystalloid to avoid hypoglycemia.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. The Parkland formula provides a starting estimate. Actual fluid rates must be titrated to urine output (target 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr in adults), hemodynamic status, and clinical response. Consult a burn specialist for all significant burns.

Does this tool store any patient data?

No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No patient data is sent to any server or stored anywhere.

Burn Fluid Parkland Formula Calculator

Enter patient weight and burn surface area to get Parkland formula fluid volumes for both time periods of the first 24 hours.

Medical disclaimer: This tool demonstrates the classic 4 mL Parkland formula for adult resuscitation (≥30 kg). Pediatric burn resuscitation (<30 kg) requires weight-based maintenance fluids with dextrose (e.g. D5LR) in addition to resuscitation volume to prevent hypoglycemia. Resuscitation must always be titrated to urine output (0.5–1.0 mL/kg/hr in adults), vitals, and clinical response. Always follow institutional protocols and consult a burn specialist.

Patient Parameters

Body Weight (adult ≥30 kg / 66 lb)

Burn Surface Area (%TBSA) — partial & full thickness only

Do not include superficial (first-degree) burns.

Time of Burn (optional — for rate calculation)

Leave blank to show rates based on full period durations.

Parkland Formula

Total = 4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA

½ total in first 8 hours (from time of burn)
½ total in next 16 hours
Fluid: Lactated Ringer's solution

Enter weight and %TBSA, then click Calculate.

Summary

Enter patient weight and burn surface area to get Parkland formula fluid volumes for both time periods of the first 24 hours.

How it works

Enter the patient's weight in kilograms.
Enter the estimated percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned — include only partial-thickness and full-thickness burns, not superficial (first-degree) burns.
Enter the time the burn occurred to calculate the remaining time in each period.
The calculator applies the Parkland formula: 4 mL × weight × %TBSA to get the 24-hour total.
Half the total volume is administered in the first 8 hours from the time of burn; the other half over the next 16 hours.
Infusion rates (mL/hr) are shown for each period based on the remaining time in that period.

Use cases

Calculate initial IV fluid orders for adult burn patients in the emergency department.
Estimate total Lactated Ringer's requirement for the first 24 hours post-burn.
Determine infusion rates for each resuscitation phase when burn time is known.
Support handoff communication between ED, burn unit, and ICU teams.
Teach medical students and residents the Parkland formula and its time-based delivery.
Quick bedside reference when managing burn patients without a burn calculator app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu