What Is the Best Formula for BSA?

Comparing BSA Formulas: Which One Is the Best?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is a critical measurement in medical dosing, physiological assessments, and clinical research. Since BSA is not measured directly, several mathematical formulas have been developed to estimate it based on height and weight. But which formula is considered the best?

Overview of Common BSA Formulas

There are more than five widely recognized BSA formulas in medical literature. Each has its own origin, complexity, and accuracy profile:

• DuBois and DuBois: The oldest, physiologically derived from heat exchange studies.
• Mosteller: The most commonly used today due to its simplicity.
• Haycock: Developed from pediatric populations.
• Gehan and George: Based on a broader sample of adults and children.
• Boyd: Designed to improve accuracy at weight extremes.

Mosteller vs. DuBois: Simplicity or History?

• Mosteller Formula:
  BSA = √[(height(cm) × weight(kg))/3600]
  This formula is easy to use and accurate enough for most clinical applications. It's widely adopted in hospitals and research.

• DuBois Formula:
  BSA = 0.007184 × height(cm)^0.725 × weight(kg)^0.425
  Though more complex, it's historically significant and often used in pharmacokinetics studies.

Mosteller is often preferred for routine clinical use, while DuBois may be favored in research or when legacy data is involved.

How to Choose the Best Formula

The “best” formula depends on context:

• Clinical use: Mosteller is ideal for daily practice.
• Pediatrics: Haycock may offer improved accuracy.
• Research comparison: DuBois ensures consistency with historical data.
• Extremes of weight: Boyd or Gehan-George might be preferable.

Try All Formulas in One Place

Our BSA calculator allows you to enter your height and weight once and view results from all major formulas side by side. Whether you're a patient or a practitioner, it’s the simplest way to evaluate BSA differences and choose the right approach.

Find the Best BSA Formula for You

No single formula is perfect for every situation — but with the right tool, you can choose the best one for your needs.
👉 Use our BSA calculator to compare formulas now.