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This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only.
- Not Medical Advice: The information provided does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
- No Doctor-Patient Relationship: Use of this calculator does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
- Accuracy Not Guaranteed: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information.
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Body Surface Area Calculator
Calculate body surface area (BSA) using Mosteller or DuBois-DuBois formulas. Essential for medical dosing and metabolic assessments.
Multiple Formulas
Choose between Mosteller and DuBois-DuBois formulas for your calculations.
Unit Conversion
Supports both metric (cm/kg) and imperial (inches/lbs) units.
Medical Grade
Uses validated medical formulas with detailed calculation breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?
Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measurement of the total surface area of the human body, expressed in square meters (m²). It is commonly used in medicine for calculating drug dosages, especially chemotherapy, and for assessing metabolic rate.
What is the Mosteller formula?
The Mosteller formula calculates BSA as: √((height in cm × weight in kg) / 3600). It is the most commonly used formula due to its simplicity and accuracy. Developed in 1987, it provides results very close to more complex formulas.
What is the DuBois-DuBois formula?
The DuBois-DuBois formula, developed in 1916 by D. Du Bois and E.F. Du Bois, calculates BSA as: 0.007184 × height^0.725 × weight^0.425. It was the first widely-used BSA formula and remains a gold standard in medical calculations.
Why is BSA important in medicine?
BSA is crucial for calculating drug dosages (especially chemotherapy), determining cardiac index, assessing burn injuries, and calculating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) adjustments. It provides a more accurate basis for dosing than weight alone.
What is a normal BSA for adults?
Average adult BSA is approximately 1.7 m² for women and 1.9 m² for men. Normal range typically falls between 1.5 to 2.2 m² depending on body size. Athletes or larger individuals may have BSA values exceeding 2.2 m².
Which BSA formula should I use?
The Mosteller formula is recommended for general use due to its simplicity and comparable accuracy. DuBois-DuBois is often used when historical consistency is needed or when specified by clinical protocols. Both formulas typically give similar results.