1. What is the DuBois Formula?

The DuBois formula is a mathematical equation used to estimate body surface area (BSA) from a person's weight and height. It was published in 1916 and remains one of the most widely used BSA estimation formulas in clinical practice.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the DuBois formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( BSA \) — Body Surface Area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates body surface area based on the exponential relationship between weight and height.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Body surface area is used in many medical applications including chemotherapy dosing, fluid resuscitation calculations, and determining cardiac index. It provides a better measure of metabolic mass than body weight alone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For best accuracy, measurements should be taken without shoes and with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use DuBois formula instead of others?
A: The DuBois formula is the most widely validated and remains the standard reference for BSA calculation in clinical practice.

Q2: What are normal BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women. Values vary significantly with body size.

Q3: When is BSA most important?
A: BSA is particularly important for chemotherapy dosing, pediatric medication dosing, and burn assessment.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula may be less accurate in extremely obese or very lean individuals. Other formulas may be preferred in these cases.

Q5: Should this be used for all drug dosing?
A: No, only certain medications (particularly chemotherapy agents) are dosed by BSA. Most medications use weight-based or fixed dosing.