medical-pharmaceutical
Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator
Calculate body surface area using different formulas for medical dosing and clinical assessments.
Enter height and weight to calculate BSA
Related to Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator
The Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator determines the total surface area of the human body using various validated formulas. BSA is a crucial measurement in medicine, particularly for determining drug dosages, assessing metabolic rates, and evaluating cardiac function. Our calculator offers three widely-accepted formulas: DuBois, Mosteller, and Haycock.
Available Formulas
1. DuBois Formula (1916): The most widely used formula, particularly accurate for average adult body types.
2. Mosteller Formula (1987): A simplified formula that's easier to calculate and remember.
3. Haycock Formula (1978): Particularly accurate for infants and children.
Calculation Method
Each formula uses height (in centimeters) and weight (in kilograms) to calculate BSA in square meters (m²). The calculator automatically applies the mathematical formulas and provides results to two decimal places for precision in medical applications.
Body Surface Area results are typically used in medical settings for various purposes. Understanding how to interpret and use these results is crucial for healthcare professionals and researchers.
Normal BSA Ranges
• Average adult male: 1.9 m² (range: 1.7-2.2 m²)
• Average adult female: 1.6 m² (range: 1.4-1.8 m²)
• Children: Varies significantly with age and size
Common Applications
• Drug Dosing: Many medications are dosed based on BSA
• Cardiac Index: Heart function measurements are indexed to BSA
• Metabolic Rate: BSA is used to standardize metabolic measurements
• Burns Assessment: Calculating the extent of burns as a percentage of BSA
1. Which BSA formula should I use?
The DuBois formula is most commonly used in clinical practice and research. However, the Mosteller formula is simpler and nearly as accurate. For pediatric patients, the Haycock formula may be more appropriate. When in doubt, consult with a healthcare provider about which formula is most appropriate for your specific situation.
2. How accurate are BSA calculations?
BSA calculations are generally accurate within 3-5% when using any of the standard formulas. The main source of error typically comes from inaccurate height or weight measurements rather than the formulas themselves.
3. Why is BSA used instead of body weight for drug dosing?
BSA correlates better with physiological functions like blood volume, cardiac output, and metabolic rate than body weight alone. This makes it a more reliable basis for drug dosing, especially for medications with narrow therapeutic windows like chemotherapy drugs.
4. Can BSA be used for children and infants?
Yes, BSA can be calculated for children and infants. The Haycock formula is particularly accurate for smaller body sizes. However, pediatric dosing often requires additional considerations beyond BSA alone.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator implements three scientifically validated formulas: The DuBois formula (DuBois D, DuBois EF. Arch Intern Med 1916;17:863-71), the Mosteller formula (Mosteller RD. N Engl J Med 1987;317:1098), and the Haycock formula (Haycock GB, et al. J Pediatr 1978;93:62-6). These formulas have been extensively validated in clinical research and practice, with thousands of citations in medical literature. The DuBois formula remains the most widely used method in clinical practice, while the Mosteller formula has been validated as a simplified alternative with comparable accuracy. The Haycock formula is particularly well-validated for pediatric populations.