Burn Percentage Calculator
The Burn Percentage Calculator estimates Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned based on age and specific body part percentages using the Rule of Nines. This tool helps medical professionals quickly assess injury severity and determine necessary treatment protocols. Whether you are managing emergency triage, planning fluid resuscitation, or evaluating burn victims, this calculator provides instant results for critical care decisions.
How Total Body Surface Area Burned Is Calculated
Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) represents the percentage of a patient's skin area affected by burns. This calculation uses the standard Rule of Nines method, which assigns specific values to major body sections.
Total TBSA = Σ (Input % × Body Part Factor)
Adult Factors (15+ years):
- Head & Neck: 9%
- Each Arm: 9%
- Front Torso: 18%
- Back Torso: 18%
- Each Leg: 18%
- Genitalia: 1%
First, the tool adjusts these values based on age, because children have proportionally larger heads and smaller legs than adults. Next, it multiplies the percentage you enter for each body part by its specific factor.
Finally, it sums all these parts to find the total burned area. This method is widely used because it provides a fast, reliable estimate for emergency triage.
What Your Total Body Surface Area Burned Means
This percentage indicates the total severity of the injury and guides immediate life-saving treatment decisions. It is essential for calculating fluid resuscitation needs.
Severity Classifications (Adults)
Minor Burns (<10%): These cases typically allow for outpatient treatment with local wound care and oral pain medication.
Moderate Burns (10-20%): Patients in this range usually require hospitalization for IV fluids and close monitoring to prevent shock.
Major Burns (>20%): These are critical injuries that demand immediate transfer to a specialized burn center for advanced resuscitation.
Important: The percentage alone does not account for inhalation injury or burn depth. Always assess the airway and check if the burn penetrates deep layers of skin, as these factors increase risk.
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Always seek immediate medical attention for burn injuries to ensure proper diagnosis and care.
Reassess the patient frequently, as fluid needs and the extent of injury can change significantly during the first 48 hours of treatment.