Mosteller formula is the most commonly used in clinical practice.

Features

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Multiple Formulas
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Unit Conversion
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Dosage Guidance
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PDF Reports
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Visualization
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Recent Queries
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Privacy Protected
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Mobile Friendly

About BSA Calculator

Our free online BSA (Body Surface Area) calculator is a professional medical tool designed to help healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients calculate body surface area accurately. BSA is a crucial measurement in medicine, particularly for determining appropriate medication dosages, especially for chemotherapy drugs and other medications with narrow therapeutic windows.

What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the total surface area of the human body, measured in square meters (m²). Unlike body weight alone, BSA provides a more accurate basis for calculating medication dosages because it accounts for both height and weight, making it particularly important for:

  • Chemotherapy drug dosing
  • Antibiotic dosage calculations
  • Cardiac index and other hemodynamic parameters
  • Burn surface area assessment
  • Renal function calculations
  • Pediatric medication dosing

BSA Calculation Formulas:

Our calculator supports multiple BSA formulas, allowing you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs:

  • Mosteller Formula: The most commonly used formula in clinical practice. BSA (m²) = √[(height in cm × weight in kg) / 3600]. This formula is simple, accurate, and widely accepted.
  • Du Bois Formula: One of the earliest BSA formulas, developed in 1916. BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × height^0.725 × weight^0.425. This formula is still used in some medical institutions.
  • Haycock Formula: Developed specifically for pediatric patients, this formula provides accurate results for children. BSA (m²) = 0.024265 × height^0.3964 × weight^0.5378.

Why Use BSA for Medication Dosing?

Many medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, are dosed based on BSA rather than body weight alone. This is because:

  • BSA correlates better with metabolic rate than body weight
  • It provides more accurate dosing for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows
  • It helps minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
  • It's the standard method used in clinical trials and medical guidelines

Key Features:

  • Calculate BSA using multiple formulas (Mosteller, Du Bois, Haycock)
  • Support for both metric and imperial units
  • Automatic unit conversion
  • Compare results from different formulas
  • Generate downloadable PDF reports
  • Visual representation of BSA
  • Medication dosing guidance
  • Recent queries history

Medical Disclaimer:

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions or medication dosing calculations. The results from this calculator are estimates and should be verified by a healthcare professional.

Privacy & Security:

All calculations are performed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. We do not collect, store, or transmit any of your personal information. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BSA (Body Surface Area)?

BSA (Body Surface Area) is the total surface area of the human body, measured in square meters (m²). It's a crucial measurement in medicine used to calculate medication dosages, especially for chemotherapy drugs, and to assess various physiological parameters. BSA provides a more accurate basis for dosing than body weight alone because it accounts for both height and weight.

How is BSA calculated?

BSA can be calculated using several formulas. The Mosteller formula is the most commonly used: BSA (m²) = √[(height in cm × weight in kg) / 3600]. Other formulas include Du Bois formula (BSA = 0.007184 × height^0.725 × weight^0.425) and Haycock formula (BSA = 0.024265 × height^0.3964 × weight^0.5378), which is particularly useful for pediatric patients. Our calculator supports all three formulas.

Why is BSA important for medication dosing?

BSA is used to calculate medication dosages because it provides a more accurate measure than body weight alone, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows like chemotherapy medications. Many medications are dosed based on BSA to ensure proper therapeutic levels while minimizing toxicity. BSA correlates better with metabolic rate, making it ideal for drugs that are metabolized by the body.

Which BSA formula should I use?

The Mosteller formula is the most widely used and recommended for general purposes. However, different medical institutions may prefer specific formulas. The Haycock formula is often preferred for pediatric patients. Our calculator provides results from multiple formulas so you can compare and use the one recommended by your healthcare provider or institution.

Is the BSA calculator free?

Yes, our BSA calculator is completely free to use. No registration, no fees, and no hidden costs. You can use it as many times as you need without any limitations.

Is my data private?

Yes, all calculations are performed locally in your browser. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your personal information. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Can I use this calculator for children?

Yes, our calculator supports pediatric BSA calculations. The Haycock formula is specifically designed for pediatric patients and provides accurate results for children. However, always consult with a pediatric healthcare provider for medication dosing decisions.

What units are supported?

Our calculator supports both metric and imperial units. For height, you can use centimeters (cm), meters (m), inches (in), or feet (ft). For weight, you can use kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lb), or ounces (oz). The calculator automatically converts all inputs to the appropriate units for calculation.

Can I generate a PDF report?

Yes, after calculating your BSA, you can click the "Generate PDF Report" button to create a downloadable PDF document containing your BSA calculation results, input values, and formula used. This is useful for medical records or sharing with healthcare providers.

Is this calculator suitable for medical use?

This calculator is designed to provide accurate BSA calculations using standard medical formulas. However, it should be used as a tool to assist healthcare professionals and should not replace clinical judgment. Always verify calculations with a qualified healthcare provider, especially for medication dosing decisions.