BSA Calculator for Chemotherapy Dosing

June 4, 2025
Author: bsacalc.com
bsachemotherapycalculator

Why BSA Matters in Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, accurate drug dosing is vital. Too little can be ineffective; too much can be dangerously toxic. This is where Body Surface Area (BSA) becomes a critical factor. BSA offers a more physiologically relevant estimate of body mass compared to weight alone, and it's widely used in oncology to determine safe and effective treatment levels.

Standard Dosing by BSA

Most chemotherapy drugs are dosed in milligrams per square meter of BSA (mg/m²). For example:

  • Cisplatin: 75 mg/m² every 3 weeks
  • Fluorouracil (5-FU): 400–600 mg/m²/day
  • Cyclophosphamide: 500–750 mg/m²

These numbers depend on accurately calculating the patient's BSA using reliable formulas.

Why Use a BSA Calculator for Oncology?

A proper BSA calculator ensures:

  • Precision: Manual errors in calculating BSA can lead to improper dosing.
  • Speed: Clinicians and pharmacists save time with automated tools.
  • Multiple Formulas: Useful for validating calculations across DuBois, Mosteller, Haycock, and others.

Our BSA calculator supports all major oncology-compatible formulas and provides fast, side-by-side comparisons.

Clinical Implications of Incorrect BSA

Misjudging BSA can result in:

  • Underdosing: Compromised therapeutic effect.
  • Overdosing: Higher risk of neutropenia, nausea, or organ toxicity.
  • Insurance or protocol mismatches: When protocols require BSA-based documentation.

That's why leading oncology institutions recommend using validated tools for all chemo-related BSA dosing.

Use the Right Tool for the Right Dose

Whether you're a healthcare provider or a patient seeking clarity, using an accurate, transparent BSA calculator improves safety and outcomes.
👉 Use our BSA calculator to calculate the right chemo dose for your treatment plan.