What Is the Parkland Formula?
The Parkland (Baxter) formula is a widely used clinical guideline for estimating the volume of intravenous fluid a burn patient needs during the first 24 hours after injury. Adequate fluid resuscitation prevents hypovolemic shock and organ damage caused by the large fluid shifts that follow major burns. This tool is for educational purposes and clinical estimation only — it does not replace professional medical judgment, monitoring, or local protocols.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the patient's body weight in kilograms and the estimated percentage of total body surface area (%TBSA) affected by partial- and full-thickness burns. The calculator returns the total 24-hour fluid volume along with how to split it: the first half over the first 8 hours and the second half over the following 16 hours, with hourly infusion rates for each phase.
The Formula Explained
The core equation is $$V = 4 \times \text{Weight (kg)} \times \text{TBSA (\%)}$$, using lactated Ringer's solution. The timing matters as much as the volume: the first 50% is infused over hours 0–8 measured from the moment of the burn (not from arrival), and the remaining 50% over hours 8–24. Time already elapsed since injury should be subtracted when planning the first-phase rate.
Worked Example
For an 80 kg patient with 40% TBSA burns: $$4 \times 80 \times 40 = 12{,}800 \text{ mL total.}$$ The first half (6,400 mL) is given over 8 hours at 800 mL/hr, and the second half (6,400 mL) over 16 hours at 400 mL/hr.
FAQ
Which fluid is used? Lactated Ringer's solution is the standard crystalloid for Parkland resuscitation.
Does the 8-hour clock start at admission? No — it starts at the time of the burn injury. Subtract elapsed time to set the correct initial rate.
How is fluid then adjusted? The calculated volume is only a starting estimate. Rates are titrated to urine output (typically \(0.5\text{–}1\ \text{mL/kg/hr}\) in adults) and other clinical signs.
