Burn Percentage Calculator

Calculate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns using the Rule of Nines method. Get instant assessment of burn severity and treatment recommendations.

Age Group Burn percentages differ between adults and children

Head & Neck (%) Enter percentage of head & neck affected (0-100%)

Left Arm (%) Enter percentage of left arm affected (0-100%)

Right Arm (%) Enter percentage of right arm affected (0-100%)

Front Torso (%) Enter percentage of front torso affected (0-100%)

Back Torso (%) Enter percentage of back torso affected (0-100%)

Left Leg (%) Enter percentage of left leg affected (0-100%)

Right Leg (%) Enter percentage of right leg affected (0-100%)

Genitalia (%) Enter percentage of genitalia affected (0-100%)

Quick Examples:

How to Use This Calculator

Select the appropriate age group (adult or child)
Enter the percentage of each body part affected by burns
Review your inputs for accuracy
Click Calculate to see total burn percentage and severity assessment

Formula Used

Total Burn Percentage = Σ (Body Part Percentage × Body Part Factor)

Rule of Nines for Adults:

Head & Neck = 9% of body surface
Each Arm = 9% of body surface
Front Torso = 18% of body surface
Back Torso = 18% of body surface
Each Leg = 18% of body surface
Genitalia = 1% of body surface

Rule of Nines for Children:

Head & Neck = 18% of body surface
Each Arm = 9% of body surface
Front Torso = 18% of body surface
Back Torso = 18% of body surface
Each Leg = 14% of body surface
Genitalia = 1% of body surface

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

An adult patient has partial thickness burns covering the entire left arm and half of the front torso. Let's calculate the total burn percentage.

Given:

Age Group = Adult
Left Arm = 100% affected
Front Torso = 50% affected
All other body parts = 0% affected

Calculation:

Left Arm: 100% × 9% = 9%

Front Torso: 50% × 18% = 9%

Total Burn Percentage = 9% + 9% = 18%

Result: The patient has 18% total body surface area burned, which is classified as moderate burns requiring hospitalization.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Quick assessment of burn severity
Determining need for hospitalization
Guiding fluid resuscitation protocols

Key Benefits

Standardized assessment method
Quick calculation in emergency situations
Helps determine treatment protocol

Common Mistakes & Tips

Children have different body proportions than adults, with their head and neck comprising a larger percentage of body surface area. Always use the child-specific Rule of Nines for patients under 15 years old to ensure accurate assessment.

The Rule of Nines only calculates the percentage of body surface area affected, not the depth of the burn. Both factors are important for treatment decisions. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, second-degree burns affect the epidermis and part of the dermis, and third-degree burns extend through the dermis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, adults with burns over 10% of their body surface area and children with burns over 5% should be evaluated at a hospital. Burns over 20% of body surface area typically require admission to a burn center for specialized care.

The Rule of Nines provides a quick estimate that is generally accurate within 5-10% for most adult patients. For more precise measurements, healthcare providers may use the Lund and Browder chart, which accounts for variations in body proportions with age.

Burns are classified as minor (less than 10% in adults, less than 5% in children), moderate (10-20% in adults, 5-15% in children), or major (more than 20% in adults, more than 15% in children). The classification also considers the depth of the burn and the specific body areas affected.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This burn percentage calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Always seek immediate medical attention for burn injuries.

References

Rule of Nines for Burn Assessment - National Center for Biotechnology Information
Initial Evaluation of Burns - UpToDate Medical Resource
Australian and New Zealand Burn Association Guidelines - Clinical guidelines for burn management

Accuracy Notice

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Rule of Nines method. Individual variations in body proportions and burn patterns may affect the actual percentage. For accurate medical assessment, consult with a healthcare professional.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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