Body Surface Area Calculator
Accurately measure your BSA for medical dosing and health assessments
Calculate Your Body Surface Area
Your Body Surface Area Results
Understanding Body Surface Area (BSA)
Body Surface Area (BSA) is a crucial measurement in medicine, representing the calculated surface area of the human body. It serves as an essential indicator of metabolic mass and is widely used in various medical applications, including:
- Determining dosages for medications, especially in chemotherapy
- Calculating cardiac index and other cardiovascular measurements
- Assessing burn injuries and fluid resuscitation needs
- Evaluating renal function and dialysis requirements
Our calculator employs five widely recognized formulas to provide comprehensive and accurate BSA measurements:
- Boyd Formula: Ideal for a wide range of body types
- DuBois Formula: One of the most commonly used in clinical settings
- Gehan George Formula: Particularly accurate for children and adolescents
- Haycock Formula: Suitable for both adults and children
- Mosteller Formula: Known for its simplicity and accuracy across various body types
By providing results from multiple formulas, our calculator allows healthcare professionals and individuals to compare and choose the most appropriate BSA measurement for their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Body Surface Area important?
BSA is crucial for determining accurate medication dosages, especially in chemotherapy. It's also used to calculate cardiac output, assess burn severity, and normalize physiological functions across different body sizes.
Which BSA formula is the most accurate?
Each formula has its strengths, and the most accurate one may depend on the individual's body type and the specific medical application. The Mosteller formula is often preferred for its simplicity and general accuracy across various body types.
How often should I calculate my BSA?
BSA can change with significant weight gain or loss. For medical purposes, it's typically recalculated when there's a notable change in body weight or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Can BSA be used for fitness or weight loss purposes?
While BSA is primarily used in medical contexts, it can provide insights into body composition changes. However, other metrics like BMI or body fat percentage are generally more useful for fitness and weight loss tracking.