What is the Lund-Browder chart?

The Lund-Browder chart is a burn assessment tool that assigns age-specific percentages of total body surface area (TBSA) to body regions. It is more accurate than the Rule of Nines for children because it accounts for the fact that a child's head is proportionally larger and the legs smaller than in adults.

How does this differ from the Rule of Nines?

The Rule of Nines uses fixed percentages (9% per major region) appropriate for adults. The Lund-Browder chart adjusts the head and leg percentages based on the patient's age, providing a more accurate TBSA estimate across all age groups.

What TBSA percentage is considered a major burn?

Generally, burns exceeding 25% TBSA in adults or 20% TBSA in children are classified as major burns requiring specialized burn center care. Burns over 10% TBSA typically require hospital admission.

Why does the head percentage decrease with age?

In infants, the head represents about 19% of TBSA. As the child grows, the legs account for a progressively larger share of body surface area while the head's relative proportion decreases, reaching the adult value of approximately 7% by age 15.

Is this tool a replacement for professional burn assessment?

No. This tool is for educational and reference purposes only. Burn assessment must be confirmed by qualified healthcare professionals. Always seek immediate emergency care for significant burn injuries.

What is the Parkland formula used after TBSA estimation?

The Parkland formula estimates fluid resuscitation volume as 4 mL × body weight (kg) × TBSA (%). Half is given in the first 8 hours post-burn, the remainder over the following 16 hours. Always confirm calculations with a clinician.

Burn Lund-Browder Chart

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

Estimated TBSA Burned

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
Head	9.5	8.5	6.5	5.5	4.5	3.5
Neck	1	1	1	1	1	1
Ant. Trunk (upper)	9	9	9	9	9	9
Ant. Trunk (lower)	9	9	9	9	9	9
Post. Trunk (upper)	9	9	9	9	9	9
Post. Trunk (lower)	9	9	9	9	9	9
Each Upper Arm	2	2	2	2	2	2
Each Lower Arm	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
Each Hand	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5
Each Thigh	2.75	3.25	4	4.25	4.5	4.75
Each Lower Leg	2.5	2.5	2.75	3	3.25	3.5
Each Foot	1.75	1.75	1.75	1.75	1.75	1.75
Perineum	1	1	1	1	1	1

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