How do I use the Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator?

Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.

Is the Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator free to use?

Yes, the Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.

Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?

Yes, the Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Are the results from Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator accurate?

Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.

Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator

Calculate your body surface area using validated formulas for medical dosing, burn assessment, and clinical applications.

Understanding the Inputs

Collect accurate measurements for meaningful results

Height & Weight: Body measurements used to calculate BSA. Height and weight are the primary inputs for all BSA formulas. Use accurate, consistent measurements.
BSA Formula: Different formulas (Mosteller, Du Bois, Haycock, Gehan & George) may yield slightly different results. Mosteller is most commonly used in clinical practice.
Gender: Men typically have larger BSA than women due to generally larger body size. Average adult male BSA is ~1.9 m², while average adult female BSA is ~1.7 m².
Age: BSA changes with growth and aging. Children have smaller BSA that increases with growth. Adults may see slight decreases in BSA with age due to height loss.

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Complete Guide: Understanding Body Surface Area

Evidence-based information about BSA and its clinical applications

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the total surface area of the human body, calculated in square meters (m²). It's a crucial measurement in medicine used for calculating drug dosages, determining fluid requirements, and assessing various physiological parameters. BSA provides a more accurate way to normalize measurements across individuals of different sizes than body weight alone.

The Mosteller formula (√((height × weight) / 3600)) is the most commonly used method in clinical practice. Different formulas (Du Bois, Haycock, Gehan & George) may yield slightly different results, but all provide reasonable estimates for medical applications. Normal BSA ranges are approximately 1.7-2.1 m² for adult males and 1.5-1.9 m² for adult females.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Body Surface Area and its applications

What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

BSA is the total surface area of the human body, calculated in square meters (m²). It's used in medicine for calculating drug dosages, determining fluid requirements, and normalizing physiological parameters.

Which BSA formula should I use?

The Mosteller formula is most commonly used in clinical practice due to its simplicity and accuracy. Different formulas may yield slightly different results, but all provide reasonable estimates for medical applications.

What is a normal BSA range?

For adult males, normal BSA ranges from 1.7-2.1 m² (average ~1.9 m²). For adult females, normal BSA ranges from 1.5-1.9 m² (average ~1.7 m²). Children have smaller BSA that increases with growth.

Why is BSA important in medicine?

BSA provides a more accurate way to normalize measurements across individuals of different sizes than body weight alone. It's used for drug dosing (especially chemotherapy), burn assessment, fluid resuscitation, and cardiac function evaluation.

How is BSA different from BMI?

BSA measures total body surface area (m²), while BMI measures body mass relative to height (kg/m²). BSA is used for medical dosing and clinical calculations, while BMI is used for assessing body weight status.

Can BSA change over time?

Yes. BSA increases with growth in children and adolescents. In adults, BSA may decrease slightly with age due to height loss, or change with significant weight gain or loss.

Is BSA used for medication dosing?

Yes, many medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, are dosed per m² of BSA rather than per kg of body weight. This provides more accurate dosing across different body sizes.

How accurate are BSA formulas?

BSA formulas provide estimates, not exact measurements. They may not account for body shape variations and are less accurate in extreme cases (very tall/short, very heavy/thin). Clinical judgment is always important.

What is BSA used for in burn patients?

Burn severity is often expressed as a percentage of total BSA. This helps determine fluid resuscitation needs, prognosis, and treatment planning for burn injuries.

Can I calculate BSA at home?

Yes, BSA can be calculated using height and weight measurements. However, for medical purposes (drug dosing, clinical decisions), BSA should be calculated and verified by healthcare professionals.

Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator