What is the Parkland formula?

The Parkland formula (also called the Baxter formula) estimates the IV fluid requirement for burn resuscitation: Total Volume (mL) = 4 × Weight (kg) × %TBSA burned. It uses Lactated Ringer's solution given over 24 hours from the time of injury.

How is the 24-hour volume split?

Half the total (50%) is infused in the first 8 hours post-burn, and the remaining half (50%) is given over the following 16 hours. This schedule front-loads fluid to counteract the rapid capillary leak that peaks in the first few hours.

Do first-degree burns count toward %TBSA?

No. The Parkland formula uses only second-degree (partial-thickness) and third-degree (full-thickness) burns. Superficial first-degree burns — like a typical sunburn — are excluded from the TBSA calculation.

Is the Parkland formula used for pediatric patients?

Pediatric burn resuscitation typically uses a modified formula (e.g., Galveston formula) that adds maintenance fluid. This calculator uses the standard adult Parkland formula; always consult pediatric burn guidelines for patients under 14 years.

What if the burn occurred hours ago?

The clock starts at the time of burn injury, not hospital arrival. If the patient arrives 2 hours post-burn, the first-phase fluid (50%) must be delivered in the remaining 6 hours. This calculator shows the rate assuming administration starts now at time zero — adjust manually for delayed presentations.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This calculator is for educational reference only. Actual fluid management must be guided by urine output (target 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr), hemodynamic status, and physician orders.

Parkland Formula Calculator

Enter patient weight and burn surface area to instantly calculate the 24-hour Lactated Ringer's volume and infusion schedule.

Patient Parameters

Enter weight and burn surface area to calculate fluid requirements.

Body Weight

Burn Surface Area (%TBSA)

Exclude first-degree (superficial) burns.

Rule of Nines — quick %TBSA reference

Body Region	Adult %TBSA
Head & Neck	9%
Each Arm (×2)	9% each
Anterior Trunk	18%
Posterior Trunk	18%
Each Leg (×2)	18% each
Perineum	1%

Enter patient data and press Calculate to see the fluid plan.

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Summary

The Parkland (Baxter) formula estimates the volume of Lactated Ringer's solution required in the first 24 hours after a major burn injury. It multiplies 4 mL by the patient's body weight in kilograms by the percentage of total body surface area (%TBSA) burned. Half the calculated volume is given in the first 8 hours from the time of injury; the remaining half is given over the next 16 hours.

How it works

Enter the patient's body weight in kilograms.
Enter the percentage of total body surface area (%TBSA) that is burned (exclude first-degree/superficial burns).
The calculator applies the formula: Total Volume = 4 mL × Weight (kg) × %TBSA.
The 24-hour total is split: 50% in the first 8 hours post-burn, 50% in the next 16 hours.
Infusion rates (mL/hr) for each phase are displayed for quick reference.
Click "Calculate Fluid Volume" or press Enter to generate the fluid resuscitation plan.

Use cases

Emergency department fluid resuscitation planning for burn patients.
Pre-hospital or transport calculations for critically burned adults.
Nursing verification of prescribed infusion rates.
Medical student and resident burn management education.
Paramedic reference during mass-casualty burn incidents.
ICU protocol confirmation before fluid adjustments.
Quick cross-check when recalculating with a change in TBSA estimate.
Training and simulation scenarios for burn unit staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

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