1. What is a BSA Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates body surface area (BSA) using the Mosteller formula, commonly used in medical practice.

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals determine medication dosages, chemotherapy regimens, and other medical calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

• \( BSA \) — Body surface area (square meters)
• \( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
• \( H \) — Height (centimeters)

Explanation: The product of weight and height is divided by 3600, then the square root is taken to get BSA in m².

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA provides a more accurate metric than body weight alone for determining drug dosages and physiological measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the Mosteller formula?
A: It's simple to calculate and has been validated against more complex methods, making it widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q2: What's the accuracy of this calculator?
A: The Mosteller formula is accurate to within 1-2% of more complex BSA calculation methods.

Q3: When is BSA used in medicine?
A: Commonly used for chemotherapy dosing, pediatric medicine, and medications with narrow therapeutic indices.

Q4: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: 1 pound = 0.453592 kg. Use our Weight Converter tool if needed.

Q5: How do I convert inches to centimeters?
A: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Use our Height Converter tool if needed.