In the Rule of Nines, what percentage is assigned to each leg?

In the Rule of Nines, what percentage is assigned to each leg?

• A. 9%
• B. 1%
• C. 18%
• D. 27%

Answer: (C)

In the Rule of Nines, the leg is assigned 18% because the leg’s surface area is split roughly into two equal parts: about 9% on the front (anterior) and about 9% on the back (posterior). When you add those together, one leg accounts for 18% of the total body surface area. This quick, approximate split helps clinicians estimate burn size rapidly to guide initial fluid resuscitation and treatment in adults. The numbers are approximate by design, and the exact TBSA can vary with age and body habitus.

In the Rule of Nines, the leg is assigned 18% because the leg’s surface area is split roughly into two equal parts: about 9% on the front (anterior) and about 9% on the back (posterior). When you add those together, one leg accounts for 18% of the total body surface area. This quick, approximate split helps clinicians estimate burn size rapidly to guide initial fluid resuscitation and treatment in adults. The numbers are approximate by design, and the exact TBSA can vary with age and body habitus.