Body Surface Area (BSA)
Calculate Your Body Surface Area (BSA)
ImperialMetric
About Body Surface Area (BSA)
Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It's widely used in medicine, particularly to calculate drug dosages and determine treatment protocols.
Key Points:
- BSA is typically expressed in square meters (m²)
- It's used in various medical calculations, including chemotherapy dosing
- Different formulas may yield slightly different results
- BSA is more closely related to metabolic rate and blood volume than body weight alone
Understanding BSA Calculations
Du Bois and Du Bois Formula
Developed in 1916:
- BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Weight^0.425 × Height^0.725
- Weight in kg, Height in cm
- Most widely used formula
Mosteller Formula
Simplified calculation:
- BSA (m²) = √((Height × Weight) / 3600)
- Weight in kg, Height in cm
- Easy to calculate and remember
Haycock Formula
Developed in 1978:
- BSA (m²) = 0.024265 × Weight^0.5378 × Height^0.3964
- Weight in kg, Height in cm
- Often used for obese and pediatric patients
Note
These calculations provide estimates of BSA. For the most accurate measurement, more complex methods like 3D body scanning may be used. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical applications of BSA.