Parkland Formula
Calculate burn fluid resuscitation volume using the Parkland (Baxter) formula. Free online tool for estimating total crystalloid fluid needs in the first 24 hours with IV flow rates and charts.
About This Calculator
The Parkland Formula Calculator helps healthcare professionals and medical students estimate the fluid resuscitation volume needed for burn patients in the first 24 hours after injury. Also known as the Baxter formula, it is the most widely used crystalloid resuscitation guideline for moderate to severe burns worldwide.
The formula calculates total fluid volume as 4 mL × body weight (kg) × total body surface area burned (%). Half of this volume is administered in the first 8 hours post-burn, and the remaining half is given over the next 16 hours. This staggered approach accounts for the rapid fluid shift that occurs early after burn injury due to increased capillary permeability.
The Parkland formula is indicated for second-degree (partial thickness) and third-degree (full thickness) burns affecting more than 10-15% TBSA in adults or 5-10% in children. First-degree burns do not require fluid resuscitation. The total body surface area percentage is estimated using the rule of nines, which assigns 9% to the head, 9% to each arm, 18% to the anterior trunk, 18% to the posterior trunk, 18% to each leg, and 1% to the groin in adults. Children have different proportions with a larger head (18%) and smaller legs (14% each).
Lactated Ringer's (LR) solution is the preferred crystalloid for Parkland formula resuscitation. The formula does not account for maintenance fluid needs, which must be added separately — particularly important in pediatric patients. All fluid resuscitation should be guided by clinical endpoints such as urine output (0.5-1 mL/kg/h), vital signs, and laboratory values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parkland formula for burn fluid resuscitation?
The Parkland formula (also called the Baxter formula) calculates the total amount of crystalloid fluid needed in the first 24 hours after a burn injury. The formula is: Total fluid (mL) = 4 mL × body weight (kg) × total body surface area burned (%). Half is given in the first 8 hours, and the remaining half over the next 16 hours.
What types of burns require Parkland formula fluid resuscitation?
The Parkland formula is indicated for patients with moderate to severe burns, specifically second-degree (partial thickness) and third-degree (full thickness) burns affecting more than 10-15% of total body surface area in adults or more than 5-10% in children. First-degree burns (superficial) do not require fluid resuscitation.
What fluid is typically used with the Parkland formula?
Lactated Ringer's (LR) solution is the crystalloid of choice for burn fluid resuscitation using the Parkland formula. LR closely mimics the electrolyte composition of plasma and helps correct the metabolic acidosis that often accompanies major burns.
How is total body surface area (TBSA) of burns estimated?
TBSA burned is estimated using the rule of nines: head and neck 9%, each arm 9%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, each leg 18%, and groin 1%. For children, the head proportion is larger (18%) and legs smaller (14% each). Only second-degree and third-degree burns are included in the calculation.
Can I rely on this calculator for medical treatment decisions?
No. This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Burn fluid resuscitation should always be managed by qualified healthcare professionals following institutional protocols and clinical guidelines.
Does the Parkland formula account for maintenance fluids?
No. The Parkland formula calculates only the resuscitation fluid volume needed for burn losses. Patients also require their standard daily maintenance fluids, especially children. The total fluid administration should account for both resuscitation and maintenance needs based on clinical assessment.
What is the difference between the Parkland formula and the modified Brooke formula?
The Parkland formula uses 4 mL/kg/% TBSA, while the modified Brooke formula uses 2 mL/kg/% TBSA. The Parkland formula is more widely used in the United States and many other countries. Both formulas deliver half the total volume in the first 8 hours and half in the next 16 hours.
Is the Parkland formula used for children?
Yes, but with adjustments. Children have different body proportions (larger head, shorter legs), so the rule of nines must be modified. Additionally, children have higher maintenance fluid requirements that need to be added to the resuscitation volume. Always consult a pediatric burn specialist for pediatric cases.