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 measurement in medicine, 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 equations for BSA calculation, providing a good balance between simplicity and accuracy.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used in many medical applications including chemotherapy dosing, cardiac index calculation, and renal function assessment. It's considered more accurate than body weight alone for many medical purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. For best accuracy, use precise measurements. The calculator will compute BSA in square meters (m²).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Mosteller formula instead of others?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple, easy to calculate, and has been validated against more complex methods. It's widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q2: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women. Neonates have about 0.25 m².

Q3: When is BSA used in medicine?
A: BSA is commonly used for chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, and adjusting dialysis parameters.

Q4: Are there limitations to BSA calculations?
A: BSA formulas may be less accurate in extremely obese or cachectic patients. Clinical judgment should always be used.

Q5: Can I use pounds and inches?
A: This calculator uses metric units. Convert pounds to kg (1 lb = 0.453592 kg) and inches to cm (1 inch = 2.54 cm) first.