Body Surface Area BSA Calculator For Medicinal Purposes

Medically reviewed by Gabrielle Kane, RDN, CSP, LD Gabrielle Kane Gabrielle KaneRDN, CSP, LD facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Sindhu Koganti, BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Sindhu Koganti BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 6 years
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by Payal Karnik, MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Payal Karnik MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
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The body surface area calculator is a key tool in health care that ensures you get the right dose of medication. This calculator measures the total surface area of your body to determine the appropriate dosage of drugs or the amount of fluids needed. Thanks to this tool, you will no longer have generalized dosages that do not suit your body. Keep reading to learn how this calculator works to ensure you receive the precise amount of medication that you need to get back on track.

System

Enter your height

Enter your height

calculate

What Is Body Surface Area?

It is the calculated surface area of the body. It is often clinically determined to measure the metabolic mass of the body and is less likely to be affected by fat mass. BSA measurement is important to measure cardiac index (relates heart performance to body size of the individual) (1).

How To Calculate Body Surface Area?

BSA depends on the height and weight of an individual (2).

Mosteller Formula

BSA = 0.016667 × W0.5 × H0.5

Where W is the weight of a person in kg/lbs, and H is the height of a person in cm/inch.

If you want to know the range of BSA in adults of different weight ranges, click here.

BSA is calculated for clinical purposes to determine the following:

  • Cardiac Index: BSA determines the functioning of the heart based on body size (2).
  • Renal Clearance Rate : BSA is required to determine glomerular filtration rate (3).
  • The dose of chemotherapy is often determined by the BSA value. It is important to note that while BSA is the current prevalent method, it may give inaccurate results. (4).

Accuracy is essential in medicine and the body surface area calculator is one tool that helps maintain it. It considers your height and weight and guides medical professionals in developing treatments precisely for you. This calculator ensures your healing journey is backed by science and data and brings you closer to optimal health. So, the next time you receive a prescription, remember that this unassuming calculator is working behind the scenes to ensure your treatment is tailored to suit your unique needs.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Body Surface Area. StatPearls [Internet].
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559005/
  2. Aortic Valve Calcium in Relation to Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction and Risk of Heart Failure. Cardiovascular imaging.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10026958/
  3. Indexing of renal functions parameters by Body Surface Area : Intelligence or Folly? Nephron Clinical Practice Karger.
    https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/330276
  4. How to Calculate Dose of Chemotherapy British Journal of Cancer Springer Nature.
    https://idp.nature.com/authorize?response_type=cookie&client_id=grover&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2F6600139

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Gabrielle Kane
Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD
Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change.

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Sindhu Koganti
Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer
Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Payal Karnik
Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer
Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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