Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator
Calculate your body surface area using scientifically validated formulas. BSA is crucial for medical dosing and clinical assessments.
Your Body Surface Area
DuBois Formula
Mosteller Formula
Haycock Formula
BSA Category
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). BSA is more accurate than body weight alone for calculating medication dosages, particularly for chemotherapy drugs, cardiac index, and other clinical assessments. The average adult BSA is approximately 1.7 m².
BSA Calculation Formulas
DuBois Formula (1916)
BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Height(cm)^0.725 × Weight(kg)^0.425
The original and most widely cited formula, developed from data on 9 patients.
Mosteller Formula (1987)
BSA (m²) = √[(Height(cm) × Weight(kg)) / 3600]
Simplified formula that is easier to calculate and widely used in clinical practice.
Haycock Formula (1978)
BSA (m²) = 0.024265 × Height(cm)^0.396 × Weight(kg)^0.5378
Particularly accurate for infants and children, validated with extensive pediatric data.
Clinical Applications of BSA
Medical Dosing
- • Chemotherapy drug calculations
- • Immunosuppressive agents
- • Antibiotics in pediatric patients
- • Corticosteroids and biologics
Clinical Assessments
- • Cardiac index (cardiac output/BSA)
- • Glomerular filtration rate
- • Metabolic rate calculations
- • Burn injury assessment
Dialysis Planning
- • Dialyzer selection
- • Treatment time optimization
- • Adequacy of dialysis (Kt/V)
Research Applications
- • Physiological studies
- • Drug development trials
- • Metabolic research
BSA Reference Values
Body surface area varies by age, sex, and body size. Here are typical BSA ranges:
| Population | Typical BSA Range |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 0.2 - 0.3 m² |
| Children (2-12 years) | 0.5 - 1.3 m² |
| Adult Women | 1.4 - 1.8 m² |
| Adult Men | 1.7 - 2.0 m² |
| Average Adult | 1.6 - 1.9 m² |
References
The BSA formulas and clinical applications are based on peer-reviewed medical research:
- Verbraecken J, et al. Body surface area in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adults. A comparison study. Metabolism. 2006.
- Mosteller RD. Simplified calculation of body-surface area. N Engl J Med. 1987.
- Haycock GB, et al. Geometric method for measuring body surface area: a height-weight formula validated in infants, children, and adults. J Pediatr. 1978.
- Sacco E, et al. Determination of body surface area in children: comparison of the Du Bois formula with other formulas. Pediatr Res. 2015.
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Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medication dosing and medical decisions. BSA calculations may vary slightly between formulas, and clinical judgment should always be applied.
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