Body Surface Area Calculator

Calculate BSA using DuBois and Mosteller formulas from height and weight.
Unit
Unit

BSA (DuBois)

1.95 m²

BSA (Mosteller)

1.95 m²

Body Surface Area

DuBois Formula1.948 m²
Mosteller Formula1.952 m²
Average Adult (1.7-1.9 m²)+8.2% vs avg

Use the Body Surface Area Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator helps you determine your BSA using two widely recognized formulas: DuBois and Mosteller. BSA is a crucial metric in various medical fields, especially for accurate drug dosage calculations in chemotherapy and pediatric medicine, as it often correlates better with metabolic rate than body weight alone. In 2026, healthcare professionals continue to rely on precise BSA estimations for personalized treatment plans, aiming to optimize efficacy and minimize adverse drug reactions.

The calculator utilizes the DuBois formula (BSA = 0.007184 × Height(cm)^0.725 × Weight(kg)^0.425) and the Mosteller formula (BSA = √((Height(cm) × Weight(kg))/3600)). Both formulas estimate the total surface area of the human body, providing slightly different but generally comparable results. These empirical equations were derived from extensive studies and are considered standard in clinical practice for their reliability and ease of use.

When using this calculator, ensure your height is in centimeters and weight in kilograms for accurate results. Keep in mind that BSA is an estimation and individual physiological variations can exist. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice and dosage adjustments, as this calculator is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical assessment.

Example: Calculating BSA for a Pediatric Patient in 2026 for Chemotherapy Dosing

  1. 1 A 7-year-old patient in 2026 requires chemotherapy. Their current height is 125 cm and their weight is 28 kg.
  2. 2 Using the DuBois formula: BSA = 0.007184 × (125 cm)^0.725 × (28 kg)^0.425 = 0.007184 × 27.56 × 7.37 ≈ 0.007184 × 203.26 ≈ 1.46 m². Using the Mosteller formula: BSA = √((125 cm × 28 kg)/3600) = √(3500/3600) = √0.9722 ≈ 0.986 m².
  3. 3 The calculated BSA using the DuBois formula is approximately 1.46 m², and using the Mosteller formula is approximately 0.99 m².
  4. 4 For this patient in 2026, the healthcare team would consider both BSA values, alongside other clinical factors, to determine the most appropriate and safe chemotherapy dosage. The slight difference between the two formulas highlights the need for clinical judgment in applying these estimations for critical medical decisions.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is body surface area important in medicine?
Body surface area (BSA) is used to calculate drug dosages (especially chemotherapy), determine burn severity, and estimate cardiac output. It correlates better with metabolic rate than body weight alone.
How do you calculate body surface area?
The DuBois formula is BSA = 0.007184 x height(cm)^0.725 x weight(kg)^0.425. The Mosteller formula is simpler: BSA = sqrt((height(cm) x weight(kg)) / 3600). Both give results in square meters.
What is normal body surface area for an adult?
Average BSA is approximately 1.7 m² for adult women and 1.9 m² for adult men. The typical range for adults is 1.5-2.2 m². BSA is used to normalize medical measurements to body size.

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