Total fluid = 4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA burned. Half is infused in the first 8 hours from the time of burn injury (not from hospital arrival), and the second half over the next 16 hours. Use Lactated Ringer's solution. For example, a 70 kg patient with 30% TBSA burns needs 4 × 70 × 30 = 8,400 mL total.

Use for adults with burns >20% TBSA and children with burns >10% TBSA who require formal fluid resuscitation. Smaller burns typically do not require IV resuscitation. Electrical and inhalation injuries may require more fluid than the formula estimates.

The Parkland formula is a starting estimate. Titrate IV rate to maintain urine output of 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr in adults (1–2 mL/kg/hr in children). Under-resuscitation causes organ failure; over-resuscitation causes edema, abdominal compartment syndrome, and pulmonary complications.