Pediatric Burn TBSA Calculator
Estimate total body surface area burned using the pediatric Lund-Browder chart with age-adjusted regional percentages.
Last reviewed: 2026-02-26
Clinical disclaimer
Age selects the Lund-Browder band: 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, or 15+ years.
Head & neck
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Trunk & perineum
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Upper extremities
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Lower extremities
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
Enter 0-100% of this region affected.
How the Lund-Browder chart works
The Lund-Browder chart assigns age-adjusted surface area percentages to each body region. Pediatric proportions change with age, especially for the head and legs, so use the correct age band to avoid over- or under-estimating TBSA.
- Estimate the percent of each region involved, then multiply by that region's TBSA value.
- Sum all regions to obtain total TBSA affected.
- Exclude erythema without blistering (first-degree burns).
Age bands used
- 1-4 years: higher head percentage, lower lower-extremity percentage.
- 5-9 years: head percentage decreases, legs increase.
- 10-14 years: proportions approach adult values.
- 15+ years: adult-equivalent distribution.
Infants under 1 year require neonatal-specific charts and are not represented in this table.
Interpreting TBSA
- TBSA helps determine need for burn center referral and fluid resuscitation.
- Partial-thickness burns over 10% TBSA meet burn center referral criteria in children.
- Burns of the face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum, or major joints warrant specialty evaluation.
Red flags and escalation
- Suspected inhalation injury, airway compromise, or circumferential burns.
- Electrical or chemical burns.
- Signs of shock, significant comorbidities, or trauma in addition to burns.
- Young infants or children without access to pediatric burn expertise.
Reassessment cadence
- After initial estimate: repeat TBSA mapping when wound demarcation changes or exam quality improves.
- During early resuscitation: reassess burn extent with serial exam and trajectory rather than one-time estimate.
- Any concern for inhalation injury, perfusion decline, or circumferential compromise: immediate reassessment and escalation.
Shift handoff checklist
- Age band used and region-by-region TBSA assumptions.
- Depth classification boundaries (partial/full thickness) and excluded superficial areas.
- Trend from prior estimate and reason for any major change.
- Escalation trigger and burn-center communication status.
Related calculators
References
Frequently asked questions
TBSA includes partial- and full-thickness burns. Superficial (first-degree) burns, such as isolated erythema without blistering, should not be counted.
This calculator uses pediatric Lund-Browder bands for ages 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15+ years. It does not include a neonatal-specific band.
Estimates are often approximate. Use the chart to get a reasonable TBSA, then refine based on serial exams and clinical judgment.
TBSA informs resuscitation decisions, but fluid therapy should follow local protocols and consider age, inhalation injury, and hemodynamics. This tool does not calculate fluids.
Yes. Burn depth and involved area can evolve in early hours, especially after transfer or improved wound assessment. Serial recalculation improves resuscitation and referral decisions.