Estimating the Size of a Burn
Topic Overview
You can quickly estimate the size of a burn by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages.
Estimating burn size in adults
See a picture of the "rule of nines" for adults .
- The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area.
- The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
- The chest equals 9% and the stomach equals 9% of the body's surface area.
- The upper back equals 9% and the lower back equals 9% of the body's surface area.
- The front and back of each leg and foot equal 18% of the body's surface area.
- The groin area equals 1% of the body's surface area.
Estimating burn size in babies and young children
See a picture of the "rule of nines" for babies and young children .
- The front and back of the head and neck are 21% of the body's surface area.
- The front and back of each arm and hand are 10% of the body's surface area.
- The chest and stomach are 13% of the body's surface area.
- The back is 13% of the body's surface area.
- The buttocks are 5% of the body's surface area.
- The front and back of each leg and foot are 13.5% of the body's surface area.
- The groin area is 1% of the body's surface area.
The "rule of palm" is another way to estimate the size of a burn. The palm of the person who is burned (not fingers or wrist area) is about 1% of the body. Use the person's palm to measure the body surface area burned.
It can be hard to estimate the size of a burn. If you think a burn is a certain size but you are unsure, it is best to discuss the size of the burn with your doctor.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
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Current as of: June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine