Body Surface Area Formula (Mosteller):
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Definition: This calculator estimates the body surface area of adult males using the Mosteller formula.
Purpose: BSA is used in medical settings for drug dosing, chemotherapy regimens, and physiological measurements.
The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the square root of the product of weight and height divided by 3600.
Details: BSA provides a more accurate measurement than body weight alone for determining proper drug dosages and medical treatments.
Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be > 0.
Q1: Is this calculator only for men?
A: While designed for men, the Mosteller formula can be used for women and children as well.
Q2: What's the average BSA for adult males?
A: The average BSA for adult men is approximately 1.9 m².
Q3: Why use BSA instead of weight for drug dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and organ size than body weight alone.
Q4: Are there other BSA formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George, but Mosteller is most commonly used.
Q5: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: It's accurate to within 1-2% of more complex calculations and is widely accepted in clinical practice.