MedCalcHub stores your favorites, history, and saved calculations locally in your browser using localStorage. This data never leaves your device.
Optional advertising, when enabled, may use third-party cookies or similar technologies. You can accept or reject advertising below.
Parkland (Baxter) formula for initial crystalloid resuscitation of adults with thermal burns: 4 mL/kg/%TBSA over 24 hours, with half in the first 8 hours and half over the following 16 hours.
Total volume = 4 mL × weight (kg) × total BSA burned (%). Give half in the first 8 hours, the remaining half over the next 16 hours, both using Ringer's lactate
Standard starting rate, titrate to urine output (0.5 mL/kg/h)
For adult burns ≥20% TBSA. Rate is a starting estimate only — titrate to urine output 0.5–1.0 mL/kg/h and hemodynamics. Do not use for electrical or chemical burns (higher volumes may be needed) or isolated smoke inhalation. Burns are second- and third-degree only; do not include first-degree (superficial) burns in TBSA. Perineum is excluded from pediatric modifications (use pediatric formulas under 30 kg).
Specialty
Emergency MedicineCategory
EmergencyDifficulty
Basic
Estimated Time
30 seconds
Version
1.0
Last Updated
2026-08-15
Formula
Keywords
Normal Range
Standard starting rate, titrate to urine output (0.5 mL/kg/h)
Estimates the initial crystalloid resuscitation volume for adult thermal burns using weight and total body surface area burned.
Total volume = 4 mL/kg/%TBSA of Ringer's lactate over 24 hours: half in the first 8 hours, half over the next 16 hours. Titrate to urine output 0.5–1.0 mL/kg/h. Burns <20% TBSA generally do not require formal resuscitation.
The Parkland formula is the most widely used burn resuscitation guideline, standardizing initial fluid therapy while emphasizing ongoing titration to physiologic endpoints.
A 75 kg adult has 30% TBSA partial-thickness burns (anterior trunk 9%, posterior trunk 9%, right arm 9%, right leg 3%).
Inputs:
Parkland total 9,000 mL over 24 hours: 4,500 mL (≈562.5 mL/h) in the first 8 hours, then 4,500 mL (≈281.3 mL/h) over 16 hours of Ringer's lactate.
Total volume = 4 mL x weight (kg) x %TBSA burned of Ringers lactate over 24 hours. Give half in the first 8 hours from time of burn, half over the next 16 hours.
No. It is a starting estimate. Titrate to urine output of 0.5-1.0 mL/kg/h. Actual fluid needs vary with burn depth, inhalation injury, delay in treatment, and patient comorbidities.
The 4 mL/kg/%TBSA formula is for adults. Children under 30 kg require pediatric-specific formulas that account for larger surface area-to-mass ratios and maintenance fluid needs.
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and clinical decision support purposes only. Burn resuscitation must be titrated continuously to urine output, hemodynamics, and clinical response.