Body Surface Area Calculator
About Our Smart Body Surface Area Calculator
Our smart calculator provides instant results and leverages AI to offer personalized insights.
Precision Dosing Tool
Body Surface Area (BSA) is widely considered the most accurate indicator of metabolic mass, making it critical for calculating dosages for narrow therapeutic index drugs.
Calculator Capabilities:
- Multi-Formula: Instantly compares results from Du Bois, Mosteller, Haycock, and Gehan & George.
- Clinical Use: Standard unit output (m²) for chemotherapy and index calculations.
What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?
Body Surface Area (BSA) is the total surface area of the human body calculated in square meters ($m^2$).
In many clinical situations, BSA is a better indicator of metabolic mass than body weight alone. This is because body weight can be distorted by adipose tissue (fat), which is metabolically less active. BSA provides a more accurate baseline for physiological parameters like cardiac output and glomerular filtration rates.
Why Use BSA Instead of Weight?
Medical professionals use BSA to minimize the risk of drug toxicity while maximizing efficacy.
Chemotherapy
Cytotoxic drugs have a "Narrow Therapeutic Index." A slight overdose is toxic; a slight underdose is ineffective. BSA scaling reduces this variance between patients.
Cardiac Index
To assess heart performance, doctors calculate the Cardiac Index ($CI = CO / BSA$). This normalizes cardiac output for body size, allowing comparison between a child and a linebacker.
Comparison of BSA Formulas
Different formulas are favored in different medical specialties. Our calculator runs all four simultaneously.
| Formula | Characteristics | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Du Bois & Du Bois (1916) | The historical benchmark. Extremely widely used. | General Medicine, Oncology. |
| Mosteller (1987) | Simplified calculation. Mathematically robust. | Routine clinical practice, Trials. |
| Haycock (1978) | Optimized for smaller body sizes. | Pediatrics (Children & Infants). |
| Gehan & George (1970) | Based on a larger sample size (401 measurements). | Cancer Research, Radiation. |
Clinical Calculation Warning
While the Mosteller and Du Bois formulas often yield similar results, some hospitals strictly adhere to specific protocols. Always verify which formula is required by your specific treatment protocol or institution. Never adjust medication dosages based solely on an online calculator.
AI Analysis: Normal Ranges
Click "Get AI Advice" to interpret the result contextually:
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Average BSA Reference "Calculated BSA is 1.9 $m^2$. AI notes this is within the average range for adult males (typically 1.9) or females (typically 1.6), providing a baseline check."
Disclaimer & Usage Policy
1. For Reference Only: The calculations, results, and AI-generated insights provided by this tool are for informational and educational purposes only. They represent theoretical outcomes based on user inputs and general assumptions. They do not constitute actionable professional advice, medical diagnosis, or specific financial recommendations.
2. Consult a Professional: Real-world scenarios are complex and subject to changing laws, regulations, and scientific standards. This tool cannot account for your unique individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional (such as a Financial Advisor, CPA, Doctor, or Legal Counsel) before making any actual decisions based on this information.
3. No Liability: By using this tool, you acknowledge that This Website and its affiliates are not liable for any discrepancies, errors, or losses (financial, health-related, or otherwise) arising from the use of or reliance on these tools. You assume full responsibility for your own choices and actions.