liminfoParkland Formula Calculator
Free web tool: Parkland Formula Calculator
Total Fluid (First 24 Hours)
5,600 mL
4 x 70 kg x 20% TBSA
First 8 Hours
2,800 mL
350 mL/hr
50% of total in first 8 hours from time of burn
Next 16 Hours
2,800 mL
175 mL/hr
Remaining 50% over next 16 hours
Formula
Total Fluid = 4 mL x Weight (kg) x %TBSA
Fluid: Lactated Ringer solution (LR)
Titrate to urine output: 0.5-1.0 mL/kg/hr in adults
Parkland formula for burn resuscitation. For clinical reference only.
About Parkland Formula Calculator
The Parkland Formula Calculator implements the Baxter (Parkland) formula for calculating intravenous fluid resuscitation requirements in burn patients during the first 24 hours post-injury. The formula computes the total volume of Lactated Ringer (LR) solution as 4 mL × body weight (kg) × %TBSA burned, where %TBSA is the percentage of total body surface area affected by second- or third-degree burns. The standard protocol divides this total into two equal halves: the first half is infused over the first 8 hours from the time of burn (not from hospital arrival), and the second half is infused over the following 16 hours.
Emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, burn unit nurses, and paramedics use this tool as a rapid bedside reference to establish initial fluid orders for major burn victims. The tool also classifies burn severity based on the %TBSA input: burns under 10% TBSA are classified as minor, 10–20% as moderate, 20–40% as major, and above 40% as critical. This classification helps triage teams quickly communicate the urgency level. The hourly infusion rates (mL/hr) are displayed for both time periods to facilitate pump programming.
All calculations run locally in the browser with no data transmitted to any server. The calculator includes the standard clinical note that fluid rates should be titrated to maintain a urine output of 0.5–1.0 mL/kg/hr in adults, and that the Parkland formula provides a starting point — not a fixed prescription. This tool is intended as a clinical reference aid and does not replace the judgment of qualified medical professionals.
Key Features
- Implements the Baxter-Parkland formula: Total Fluid = 4 mL × Weight (kg) × %TBSA
- Calculates total fluid volume in mL for the first 24 hours using Lactated Ringer solution
- Splits total into first 8-hour infusion (50% of total) and next 16-hour infusion (50% of total)
- Displays hourly infusion rates (mL/hr) for both time periods for direct pump programming
- Burn severity classification: Minor (<10% TBSA), Moderate (10–20%), Major (20–40%), Critical (>40%)
- Color-coded severity display for rapid visual triage assessment
- Shows the full formula breakdown (4 × weight × %TBSA) for verification and documentation
- 100% client-side calculation — no data stored or transmitted, works offline for point-of-care use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parkland formula?
The Parkland (Baxter) formula is the most widely used guideline for initial fluid resuscitation in major burn injuries. It calculates the total volume of Lactated Ringer solution to be given over the first 24 hours as: Total Fluid (mL) = 4 × Body Weight (kg) × %TBSA. Half of this volume is given in the first 8 hours from the time of burn, and the other half over the next 16 hours.
What fluid does the Parkland formula use?
The Parkland formula specifically uses Lactated Ringer (LR) solution, also known as Ringer's lactate or Hartmann's solution. LR is an isotonic crystalloid that closely matches the electrolyte composition of plasma, making it suitable for replacing the large fluid shifts that occur with major burns. Normal saline is generally avoided due to the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis with the large volumes required.
When does the 8-hour clock start?
The 8-hour clock starts from the time of burn injury, not from the time of hospital arrival or the start of IV placement. If a patient arrives 2 hours after the burn occurred, the remaining time for the first half of fluid is only 6 hours. This distinction is critical — starting the 8-hour count from hospital arrival will result in under-resuscitation.
What burns are included in the %TBSA calculation?
The %TBSA used in the Parkland formula should include only second-degree (partial thickness) and third-degree (full thickness) burns. Superficial first-degree burns (similar to a mild sunburn) are not included in the TBSA calculation because they do not cause the same degree of fluid loss. The Rule of Nines is a common bedside method for quickly estimating TBSA in adults.
How is burn severity classified?
This calculator classifies severity based on %TBSA: burns below 10% TBSA are Minor, 10–20% are Moderate, 20–40% are Major, and above 40% are Critical. These categories are general clinical indicators. Actual severity also depends on burn depth, location (face, hands, genitalia), patient age, pre-existing conditions, and inhalation injury.
Should the fluid rate be adjusted during treatment?
Yes. The Parkland formula provides an initial estimate, but the actual infusion rate should be titrated to maintain a target urine output of 0.5–1.0 mL/kg/hr in adults (1.0 mL/kg/hr in children). If urine output is below target, the rate should be increased; if significantly above target, it may be reduced. Urine output monitoring via Foley catheter is standard in major burn resuscitation.
Is the Parkland formula suitable for pediatric patients?
The standard Parkland formula can be used in children, but many pediatric burn centers use modified protocols that add maintenance fluid requirements (e.g., the Galveston formula for children: 5000 mL/m² burned + 2000 mL/m² total BSA/day). Children are more vulnerable to hypoglycemia with LR alone, so dextrose-containing maintenance fluids may be needed in addition to the resuscitation volume.
Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?
No. This calculator is a clinical reference aid designed to quickly compute the initial Parkland formula estimate. Actual fluid management for burn patients requires continuous assessment by qualified burn care professionals, including adjustments based on urine output, hemodynamic monitoring, and clinical response. Always use this tool in conjunction with institutional burn care protocols and specialist guidance.