# Parkland Formula Calculator (Burns Fluid)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/parkland-formula/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Parkland formula calculator works out the intravenous fluid (lactated Ringer's) needed in the first 24 hours after a major burn from body weight and the percentage of body surface burned, with half given in the first 8 hours.

## Inputs

- Weight (kg, lb, st, g)
- Burned area (%TBSA) (%)
- Formula
- Hours since the burn

## Results

- Fluid in the first 24 hours
- First 8 hours
- Rate for the rest of the first 8 hours
- Rate for the next 16 hours
- Target urine output

## Formula

```
Total fluid (mL) = 4 × weight (kg) × %TBSA burned
First 8 hours (from the time of the burn): half · next 16 hours: the other half
(Modified Brooke: 2 mL × kg × %TBSA)
```

## Explanation

Large burns cause massive fluid shifts into tissues. The Parkland formula, developed by Charles Baxter in Dallas, is the most widely used starting point; the rate is then adjusted to keep urine output at about 0.5 mL/kg/h in adults (1 mL/kg/h in children).

### How to use the Parkland Formula Calculator

- **Weight**
- **Burned area (%TBSA)**
- **Formula**
- **Hours since the burn**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter weight, the percentage of total body surface area with partial- or full-thickness burns (not superficial), and hours since the burn.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterWeightUnits: kg, lb, st, gBurned area (%TBSA)In %FormulaChoose one: Parkland (4 mL/kg/%), Modified Brooke (2 mL/kg/%)Hours since the burnA number

### What each result means

- **Fluid in the first 24 hours** = [Formula]×[Weight]×[Burned area (%TBSA)]
- **First 8 hours** = [Fluid in the first 24 hours]÷2
- **Rate for the rest of the first 8 hours** = [First 8 hours]÷(8 - min([Hours since the burn], 7.5))
- **Rate for the next 16 hours** = [Fluid in the first 24 hours]÷2÷16
- **Target urine output** = [Weight]×0.5

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Weight** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Weight (kg)Fluid in the first 24 hours (mL)354,20052.56,300708,40087.510,50010512,60014016,800
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Weight: 70 kg; Burned area (%TBSA): 30 %; Formula: Parkland (4 mL/kg/%); Hours since the burn: 1.

Results — **Fluid in the first 24 hours = 8,400 mL**; First 8 hours = 4,200 mL; Rate for the rest of the first 8 hours = 600 mL/h; Rate for the next 16 hours = 263 mL/h; Target urine output = 35 mL/h.

## Key terms

- **TBSA**: Total body surface area.

## FAQ

**Do superficial burns count?**
No – only partial- and full-thickness burns count towards %TBSA.

**When does the 8 hours start?**
From the time of the burn, not hospital arrival.

**Is the formula exact?**
No – titrate fluid to urine output to avoid under- or over-resuscitation.


## Sources

- [Baxter CR, Shires T. Physiological response to crystalloid resuscitation of severe burns. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1968](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5248728/)
- [American Burn Association – Advanced Burn Life Support](https://ameriburn.org/)