Burn Lund-Browder Chart

Select burned body regions and patient age to calculate age-adjusted TBSA percentage using the Lund-Browder method.

Use the Burn Lund-Browder Chart

Percentages for the head and legs change with age.

Select Burned Regions

Check each body area that has been burned.

Head & Neck
Anterior Trunk (13% all ages)
Posterior Trunk (18% all ages)
Arms (9.5% each, all ages)
Legs (age-adjusted)

Estimated TBSA Burned

0%

of total body surface area

0%50%100%
Select regions to begin

Lund-Browder Reference Table

Values change when you select a different age group.

Region <1 1 5 10 15 Adult
Head1917131197
Neck222222
Ant. Trunk (upper)6.56.56.56.56.56.5
Ant. Trunk (lower)6.56.56.56.56.56.5
Post. Trunk (upper)999999
Post. Trunk (lower, incl. buttocks)999999
Each Upper Arm444444
Each Lower Arm333333
Each Hand2.52.52.52.52.52.5
Each Thigh5.56.588.599.5
Each Lower Leg555.566.57
Each Foot3.53.53.53.53.53.5
Perineum111111

All values are percentages of TBSA. Columns are age groups in years.

Burn Severity Classification

Minor — less than 10% TBSA. Outpatient management may be appropriate.
Moderate — 10%–20% TBSA. Hospital admission typically required.
Major / Critical — above 20% TBSA. Burn center referral strongly indicated.

For educational reference only. Always seek immediate professional medical care for burn injuries. Thresholds may vary by institution and patient age.

Summary

The Lund-Browder chart estimates total body surface area (TBSA) burned across age groups. Head and limb selections evaluate full circumferential coverage (anterior and posterior). Superficial (1st-degree) burns must be excluded from TBSA calculations when planning fluid resuscitation to prevent fluid overload.

How it works

  1. Select the patient age group from the dropdown (under 1, 1, 5, 10, 15, or adult).
  2. Check each body region that is burned (head and limb options evaluate circumferential burns; exclude superficial 1st-degree erythema).
  3. The TBSA percentage updates live as you select or deselect regions.
  4. Review the severity classification shown alongside the total TBSA.
  5. Use the Reset button to clear all selections and start a new assessment.
  6. Consult a clinician for fluid resuscitation; ensure superficial (1st-degree) burns are excluded from TBSA calculations.

Use cases

  • Pediatric burn triage where age-adjusted proportions matter.
  • Accurate fluid resuscitation planning using the Parkland formula.
  • Burn unit patient intake documentation for children and adults.
  • Emergency medicine training on the Lund-Browder method.
  • Comparison with Rule of Nines for adult burn assessment validation.
  • Medical student and nursing education on burn pathophysiology.
  • Pre-hospital burn severity documentation by paramedics.
  • Research and audit of burn management outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu