In the Rule of Nines, the anterior torso accounts for:

• A. 18%
• B. 9%
• C. 36%
• D. 4.5%

Answer: (A)

The Rule of Nines estimates burn size by assigning large, consistent percentages to major body regions. The anterior torso, which covers the chest and abdomen on the front, represents 18% of total body surface area. This makes sense because the trunk is divided into front and back halves, each accounting for 18%; the front (anterior torso) is 18%, and the back is another 18%, totaling 36% for the entire trunk. The head is 9%, and other regions like an entire limb are different percentages, so 9%, 36%, and 4.5% don’t describe the anterior torso. This 18% figure is what you use to quickly estimate burn size on the front of the torso.