BSA Calculator

Body Surface Area Estimation (Mosteller Formula)

Enter your height and weight to calculate your Body Surface Area (BSA). This metric is commonly used in clinical settings for precise medical assessments.

Your Results

Enter your height and weight to see your estimated Body Surface Area.

The Mosteller Formula

BSA (m²) = √([Height(cm) × Weight(kg)] / 3600)

This formula is the most commonly used method in clinical practice due to its simplicity and reliability.

Why BSA Matters:

Body Surface Area (BSA) is considered a more accurate indicator of metabolic mass than body weight alone. This is because BSA is less affected by abnormal body fat. In medicine, BSA is used to:

  • Calculate precise dosages for chemotherapy and other high-risk medications.
  • Determine the Cardiac Index (Cardiac Output divided by BSA).
  • Assess the severity of burns.
  • Calculate the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in kidney function tests.

Average BSA Values

While BSA varies significantly based on individual height and weight, here are the generally accepted average values:

Group Average BSA (m²)
Neonates (Newborns) 0.25 m²
Child (2 years) 0.50 m²
Child (9 years) 1.07 m²
Adult Women 1.60 m²
Adult Men 1.90 m²

Frequently Asked Questions

BSA and BMI serve different purposes. BMI is a screening tool for weight categories (underweight, healthy, overweight, obese). BSA is a clinical measurement used to estimate metabolic activity and is preferred for medical dosing because it correlates better with physiological processes like blood flow and kidney function.

Yes, there are several other formulas including DuBois & DuBois, Haycock, Gehan & George, and Boyd. However, the Mosteller formula is the most widely adopted because it is easy to calculate and provides results very similar to the more complex DuBois formula.

While BSA is primarily a medical tool, it can be interesting to track alongside other metrics. However, for fitness and body composition, tools like Body Fat Percentage or Lean Body Mass are generally more useful.

Clinical Tips

  • Use current weight for the most accurate dosing.
  • BSA is essential for pediatric dosing.
  • Mosteller is the standard for most EMR systems.
  • Height should be measured without shoes.
  • Consistency in measurement units is vital.

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational purposes only. BSA calculations for medical treatment, especially chemotherapy dosing, must be performed or verified by a qualified healthcare professional. Never adjust medication dosages based on an online calculator.