Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator
Calculated Body Surface Area
0.00 m²
Understanding Body Surface Area (BSA)
Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface of a human body. In clinical medicine, BSA is often considered a more accurate indicator of metabolic mass than body weight because it is less affected by abnormal adipose (fat) tissue.
Why is BSA Important?
Medical professionals use BSA for several critical clinical applications, including:
- Chemotherapy Dosing: Most cytotoxic drugs are dosed based on m² to minimize toxicity.
- Cardiology: The Cardiac Index is calculated by dividing Cardiac Output by BSA.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Kidney function assessments are often indexed to the "average" BSA of 1.73 m².
- Pharmacokinetics: Determining appropriate dosages for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.
The Mosteller Formula
This calculator utilizes the Mosteller formula, which is the most widely used and validated formula in clinical practice due to its simplicity and accuracy for both adults and children. The calculation is:
BSA (m²) = √([Height(cm) x Weight(kg)] / 3600)
Average BSA Reference Values
| Category | Average BSA |
|---|---|
| Neonates (Newborns) | 0.25 m² |
| Child (9 years) | 1.07 m² |
| Adult Woman | 1.60 m² |
| Adult Man | 1.90 m² |