Parkland Formula Calculator

The Parkland Formula Calculator estimates the IV fluid resuscitation volume needed for burn patients in the first 24 hours. Enter the patient's weight (kg) and total body surface area (TBSA) burned (%) — covering 2nd and 3rd degree burns only — and get the total 24-hour fluid volume, plus how much to give in the first 8 hours and the next 16 hours. Results are based on Ringer's Lactate as the solution of choice and do not include maintenance fluid requirements.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

kg

Enter the patient's body weight in kilograms.

%

Enter the percentage of total body surface area with 2nd or 3rd degree burns only. Do not include 1st degree (superficial) burns.

Results

Total Fluid in First 24 Hours

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First 8 Hours (50% of Total)

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Next 16 Hours (50% of Total)

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Infusion Rate — First 8 Hours

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Infusion Rate — Next 16 Hours

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Parkland Formula?

The Parkland Formula is a clinical guideline used to estimate the volume of IV fluid required by a burn patient in the first 24 hours after injury. The formula is: Total Fluid (mL) = 4 × Weight (kg) × TBSA Burned (%). It uses Ringer's Lactate as the preferred solution due to its physiologic properties.

Which degree burns are included in the TBSA calculation?

Only 2nd degree (partial thickness) and 3rd degree (full thickness) burns are included when calculating TBSA for the Parkland Formula. Superficial 1st degree burns, such as mild sunburn, are excluded because they do not cause significant fluid loss.

How is the fluid split between the first 8 hours and next 16 hours?

50% of the calculated total fluid is given in the first 8 hours post-burn, and the remaining 50% is administered over the following 16 hours. Note that the 8-hour clock starts from the time of the burn injury, not from when treatment begins.

Why is Ringer's Lactate the preferred IV solution?

Ringer's Lactate (also called Lactated Ringer's) is the IV solution of choice for burn resuscitation because its electrolyte composition closely resembles plasma, making it more physiologically appropriate than normal saline. It helps minimize the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis that can occur with large volumes of normal saline.

Does the Parkland Formula include maintenance fluid needs?

No. The Parkland Formula estimates only the additional fluid required to replace losses from the burn injury itself. It does not account for routine daily maintenance fluid requirements, which must be calculated and added separately for the patient's overall fluid management plan.

Is the Parkland Formula exact or just an estimate?

It is purely an estimate and a starting point for fluid resuscitation. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, urine output (targeting 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr in adults), and hemodynamic status is required. The calculated volumes should be titrated based on the patient's clinical response.

What TBSA percentage requires fluid resuscitation with the Parkland Formula?

Fluid resuscitation is generally indicated for burns covering greater than 20% TBSA in adults and greater than 15% TBSA in children or elderly patients. Smaller burns may be managed with oral hydration, but any significant burn should be assessed by a clinician.

Can the Parkland Formula be used for pediatric patients?

The standard Parkland Formula is designed for adults. For pediatric patients, the modified Parkland or Galveston Formula is typically used, which also incorporates maintenance fluid requirements. Always consult burn care guidelines or a specialist when treating pediatric burn patients.