1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It's an important metric in medical practice, particularly for calculating drug dosages and medical indicators.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)

Explanation: The Mosteller formula is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods for BSA calculation, recommended by the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC).

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used to calculate medical indices like cardiac index and chemotherapy dosages, to assess metabolic mass, and to normalize physiological parameters.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Mosteller formula instead of others?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple, validated, and recommended by BNFC. It provides results comparable to more complex formulas.

Q2: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women. Children have smaller values depending on age and size.

Q3: When is BSA used in medicine?
A: Commonly used for chemotherapy dosing, pediatric drug dosing, and calculating cardiac index and other physiological parameters.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: All BSA formulas are estimates. In extreme body types (very obese or very thin), other methods may be more appropriate.

Q5: Can this be used for all ages?
A: Yes, the Mosteller formula can be used for both children and adults, though pediatric dosing often requires additional considerations.