Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator | HealthCalculum

Calculate body surface area using the DuBois formula, essential for chemotherapy drug dosing.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.

Calculate BSA

Note: BSA is fundamental for accurate dosing of chemotherapy drugs and other medications. Always verify with the responsible pharmacist or physician.

What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measurement that estimates the total surface area of the human body in square meters (m²). It is widely used in pharmacy and medicine to calculate medication doses, especially chemotherapeutic agents, as many drugs have their dose adjusted based on the patient's BSA, rather than body weight alone. BSA correlates better with metabolic and physiological processes than weight alone, allowing for more precise and safer dosing.

DuBois Formula: BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Height^0.725 × Weight^0.425

How to Calculate BSA?

The most commonly used formula is DuBois and DuBois (1916), which calculates BSA from weight (in kg) and height (in cm). To use this calculator: 1) Enter the patient's weight in kilograms, 2) Enter height in centimeters, 3) Click 'Calculate BSA'. The result will be displayed in square meters (m²). For example, a patient weighing 70 kg and 170 cm tall has a BSA of approximately 1.80 m². Other formulas exist (Mosteller, Haycock, Boyd), but DuBois is the most widely accepted standard.

BSA Calculation Formulas

DuBois and DuBois (1916)

BSA = 0.007184 × Height^0.725 × Weight^0.425

Classic and most widely used formula. Based on studies with 9 individuals. It is the gold standard for BSA calculation.

Mosteller (1987)

BSA = √(Height × Weight / 3600)

Simplified formula, easier to calculate manually. Widely used in emergencies.

Haycock (1978)

BSA = 0.024265 × Height^0.3964 × Weight^0.5378

Developed specifically for children, but can be used in adults.

Clinical Use of BSA

Chemotherapy

Most chemotherapeutic agents have doses calculated in mg/m² of BSA. Examples: Doxorubicin, Cisplatin, Paclitaxel. BSA allows more precise adjustment than weight.

Antibiotics and Antivirals

Some potent antibiotics (e.g., Amphotericin B) and antivirals are dosed by BSA to minimize toxicity.

Cardiac Index

Cardiac output is often indexed by BSA to assess cardiac function independent of body size.

Limitations and Important Considerations

BSA is a mathematical estimate and not a direct measurement. In obese patients (BMI > 30), BSA may overestimate the required dose, and a maximum limit (cap) of 2.0-2.2 m² is recommended. In very lean or cachectic patients, it may underestimate. For premature infants or neonates, specific pediatric formulas are more appropriate. Always consider renal and hepatic function when calculating doses, as BSA does not reflect organ dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the normal BSA value for an adult?

The average BSA of an adult ranges from 1.6 to 2.0 m². Men tend to have higher BSA (average ~1.9 m²) than women (average ~1.6 m²) due to greater height and weight. Values below 1.5 m² or above 2.5 m² are considered extreme.

Why use BSA instead of weight for chemotherapy dosing?

BSA correlates better with volume of distribution, hepatic metabolism, and renal clearance than weight alone. Two patients with the same weight but very different heights will have different metabolisms. BSA normalizes these differences, resulting in more accurate dosing and less toxicity.

Should I use BSA for all medications?

No. Most medications use weight-based dosing (mg/kg) or fixed doses. BSA is reserved for drugs with narrow therapeutic margins and high toxicity, such as chemotherapeutic agents, some immunosuppressants, and specific antibiotics. Always consult the package insert or institutional protocol.

How to proceed in obese patients?

In obesity (BMI > 30), it is recommended to: 1) Calculate BSA normally, 2) If BSA > 2.0-2.2 m², consider 'capping' (limiting the maximum dose), 3) Assess risk-benefit with oncologist/pharmacist, 4) Monitor toxicity closely. Some protocols recommend using adjusted body weight instead of actual weight.

Is the DuBois formula accurate for children?

For older children and adolescents, DuBois is acceptable. For infants and young children, the Haycock or Mosteller formula may be more appropriate. For neonates, use specific pediatric formulas or neonatal BSA tables.

Scientific References

1. DuBois D, DuBois EF. A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. Arch Intern Med. 1916;17:863-71.
2. Mosteller RD. Simplified calculation of body-surface area. N Engl J Med. 1987;317(17):1098.
3. Haycock GB, Schwartz GJ, Wisotsky DH. Geometric method for measuring body surface area: a height-weight formula validated in infants, children, and adults. J Pediatr. 1978;93(1):62-6.
4. Gehan EA, George SL. Estimation of human body surface area from height and weight. Cancer Chemother Rep. 1970;54(4):225-35.
5. Gurney JM, Jelliffe DB. Arm anthropometry in nutritional assessment: nomogram for rapid calculation of muscle circumference and cross-sectional muscle and fat areas. Am J Clin Nutr. 1973;26(9):912-5.