1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It is used in many medical measurements, including medication dosages and the classification of various medical conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula provides a simple and accurate way to estimate body surface area using just height and weight measurements.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters and weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers. For best accuracy, use precise measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is widely accepted, simple to calculate, and provides results comparable to more complex formulas.

Q2: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average BSA for adult men is about 1.9 m², for adult women about 1.6 m², and for children it varies with age and size.

Q3: When is BSA used in medicine?
A: BSA is commonly used for chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, and determining appropriate drug dosages for medications with narrow therapeutic windows.

Q4: Are there other formulas for calculating BSA?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George formulas, but Mosteller is one of the most commonly used in clinical practice.

Q5: How accurate is BSA calculation?
A: BSA formulas provide estimates that are generally accurate for clinical purposes, though individual variations exist based on body composition.