09/01/2026
🔥 Rule of 9s for NCLEX
The Rule of 9s is a quick way to estimate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by a burn in an adult. Knowing the percentage of the body burned helps guide burn severity assessment and fluid resuscitation.
🧍 Rule of 9s breakdown:
🟢 Head and neck: 9%
🟢 Each arm: 9%
🟣 Each leg: 18%
🔵 Torso: 36%
🔴 Genitalia: 1%
Remember that the percentages for the arms, legs, and torso include the front and back combined.
For example, if only the front of one leg is burned, that represents 9% TBSA. The entire leg, front and back, equals 18%.
💡 NCLEX tip: When a burn question gives you several affected body areas, calculate each area separately using the Rule of 9s, then add them together to determine the total TBSA burned.
Comment “CHEAT SHEET” to get this Burns & Inhalation Injury NCLEX® Cheat Sheet!📚
Don’t let the Rule of 9s burn out of your memory—tag a study buddy! 🔥📚