What is Body Surface Area (BSA) and why is it important?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It's important in medicine for calculating drug dosages (especially chemotherapy), determining renal function, and assessing metabolic mass.

How does the Du Bois formula calculate BSA?

The Du Bois formula is: BSA = 0.007184 × Height(cm)^0.725 × Weight(kg)^0.425. It's one of the most widely used formulas for calculating body surface area and was developed through extensive research on human body measurements.

What are the medical applications of BSA?

BSA is used for chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, determining glomerular filtration rate, assessing burn patients, and calculating ventilation parameters. It provides a more accurate measure for medication dosing than body weight alone for many drugs.

How accurate is the Du Bois formula?

The Du Bois formula is considered one of the most accurate BSA formulas and has been validated in numerous clinical studies. However, like all predictive formulas, it may have limitations in extreme body types and should be used as a guide rather than an absolute measurement.

Body Surface Area Calculator - Accurate BSA Calculation

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Your Body Surface Area

1.85 m²

Calculated using the Du Bois formula

BSA = 0.007184 × Height^0.725 × Weight^0.425

Medical Applications

Chemotherapy dosing calculations
Cardiac index determination
Ventilation parameter calculations
Glomerular filtration rate assessment

Understanding Body Surface Area (BSA)

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It is an important measurement in medicine, particularly for determining dosages of medications and assessing metabolic mass.

The Du Bois Formula

The Du Bois formula is one of the most widely used methods for calculating BSA. Developed by Du Bois and Du Bois in 1916, it represents a mathematical relationship between height, weight, and body surface area. The formula is: BSA = 0.007184 × Height^0.725 × Weight^0.425.

Medical Importance of BSA

BSA is used in various clinical applications including chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, determining renal function through glomerular filtration rate, assessing burn patients, and calculating appropriate ventilation parameters. It provides a more accurate measure for medication dosing than body weight alone for many drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Body Surface Area (BSA) and why is it important?: Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It's important in medicine for calculating drug dosages (especially chemotherapy), determining renal function, and assessing metabolic mass.
How does the Du Bois formula calculate BSA?: The Du Bois formula is: BSA = 0.007184 × Height(cm)^0.725 × Weight(kg)^0.425. It's one of the most widely used formulas for calculating body surface area and was developed through extensive research on human body measurements.
What are the medical applications of BSA?: BSA is used for chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, determining glomerular filtration rate, assessing burn patients, and calculating ventilation parameters. It provides a more accurate measure for medication dosing than body weight alone for many drugs.
How accurate is the Du Bois formula?: The Du Bois formula is considered one of the most accurate BSA formulas and has been validated in numerous clinical studies. However, like all predictive formulas, it may have limitations in extreme body types and should be used as a guide rather than an absolute measurement.

Medical Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions. This tool follows general guidelines but may not account for individual variations. Results are based on statistical averages and should be interpreted as general guidance rather than definitive medical assessment.