The Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator estimates your body surface area using your height and weight. It uses the Mosteller formula and provides the result in square meters (m²), a unit commonly used in medical calculations. This tool is useful for students, healthcare professionals, and anyone learning about body measurements.
Enter your height and weight to estimate your body surface area (BSA). Choose metric or US customary units to calculate your result using the Mosteller formula.
Choose your preferred measurement units.
Enter your height in centimeters.
For example, enter 5 feet and 7 inches.
Enter your weight in kilograms.
Based on a height of 170 cm and a weight of 70 kg.
How to Use the Body Surface Area Calculator
Using this calculator is simple:
- Select your preferred measurement system: Metric or US customary.
- Enter your height and weight.
- Click Calculate BSA or change the values to update the result automatically.
- View your estimated body surface area in square meters, square centimeters, and square feet.
The calculator uses the Mosteller formula to estimate body surface area from your height and weight.
Body Surface Area Calculation Example
Suppose a person is 170 cm tall and weighs 70 kg.
The Mosteller formula is:
BSA = √[(Height × Weight) ÷ 3600]
Substituting the values:
BSA = √[(170 × 70) ÷ 3600]
BSA = √3.3056
Body Surface Area ≈ 1.82 m²
This result is an estimate based on the person’s height and weight.
What Is Body Surface Area (BSA)?
Body surface area (BSA) is an estimate of the total external surface area of the human body. It is usually expressed in square meters (m²).
BSA is used in some medical calculations, clinical research, and healthcare assessments. It can help healthcare professionals when a calculation requires body surface area, although the appropriate method depends on the specific clinical situation.
What Is the Mosteller Formula?
The Mosteller formula is a commonly used method for estimating body surface area. It uses height in centimeters and weight in kilograms.
Formula:
BSA (m²) = √[(Height (cm) × Weight (kg)) ÷ 3600]
For example, a height of 170 cm and a weight of 70 kg produce an estimated BSA of approximately 1.82 m².
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a normal body surface area?
There is no single normal BSA for everyone. Body surface area varies with height, weight, age, and body composition. A healthcare professional can interpret a result in the appropriate clinical context.
2. Which formula does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the Mosteller formula, which estimates BSA from height and weight.
3. Can I calculate BSA in pounds and inches?
Yes. Select US customary units and enter your height in total inches and weight in pounds. The calculator converts these measurements before calculating BSA.
4. Is body surface area the same as BMI?
No. BMI is calculated using weight and height to estimate body size relative to height. BSA estimates the body’s total external surface area and is expressed in square meters.
5. Is this calculator suitable for medication dosing?
The calculator provides an estimate only. Some medications use BSA in their dosing calculations, but doses must be determined and verified by a qualified healthcare professional using the relevant clinical guidance.
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnose a condition, or determine medication doses. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.