Frequently Asked Questions - BSA Calculator

Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measurement of the total surface area of the human body. It's crucial in medicine for determining appropriate drug dosages, especially for chemotherapy and pediatric medications, calculating cardiac index, and assessing metabolic rates. BSA provides a more accurate basis for dosing than body weight alone because it better reflects metabolic mass and physiological processes.

The choice depends on your specific needs:

• DuBois Formula: Most widely accepted standard for general adult population
• Mosteller Formula: Simplified calculation, good for all ages
• Haycock Formula: Specifically designed for children and infants
• Fujimoto/Takahira: Better for Asian populations
• Schlich Formula: Modern approach with gender-specific calculations

For most clinical applications, DuBois or Mosteller formulas are recommended.

BSA calculations are estimates based on height and weight measurements. Most formulas have an accuracy of ±5-10% when compared to direct measurements. The accuracy can be improved by selecting the appropriate formula for the patient population (age, gender, ethnicity). While not perfect, BSA calculations are standardized and widely accepted in medical practice for their consistency and clinical utility.

Our BSA calculator is designed to provide accurate calculations using validated formulas. However, it is intended for educational and reference purposes only. For medical applications, especially drug dosing and treatment planning, always consult with qualified healthcare professionals and follow institutional protocols. The calculator should supplement, not replace, professional medical judgment.

Different BSA formulas were developed for specific populations and use cases:

• Historical development: Older formulas (DuBois 1916) vs. modern ones (Schlich 2010)
• Population specificity: Some formulas work better for children, adults, or specific ethnic groups
• Mathematical complexity: Simple formulas (Mosteller) vs. complex ones (Boyd)
• Clinical validation: Extent of testing and acceptance in medical practice

The differences in results are usually small (within 5-15%) but can be clinically significant for precise applications.

Yes, your privacy is our priority. Our calculator:

• Performs all calculations locally in your browser
• Does not store or transmit your height/weight data
• Does not require registration or personal information
• Uses minimal analytics only for improving user experience
• Complies with privacy standards and regulations

Your biometric data remains completely private and secure.

Our calculator accepts metric units (centimeters and kilograms). For conversions:

Height conversions:

• Feet/inches to cm: (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54
• Example: 5'8" = (5×12+8) × 2.54 = 172.7 cm

Weight conversions:

• Pounds to kg: pounds ÷ 2.205
• Example: 150 lbs = 150 ÷ 2.205 = 68.0 kg

Many online unit converters are available if you need assistance with these calculations.

Variations in BSA calculations between different calculators can occur due to:

• Different formulas: Each calculator may use a different default formula
• Rounding differences: Variations in decimal precision and rounding methods
• Unit conversions: Errors in converting between metric and imperial units
• Implementation differences: Minor variations in how formulas are programmed

Our calculator clearly shows which formula is used and maintains high precision throughout calculations to minimize these discrepancies.