Calculate Meters Squared Body Surface Area

Body Surface Area Formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

BSA (m²):

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1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Definition: Body Surface Area is the total surface area of the human body, often used in medical calculations.

Purpose: BSA is used to calculate drug dosages, medical assessments, and physiological measurements.

2. How Does the Mosteller Formula Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

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 measure than body weight alone for many medical calculations, particularly in chemotherapy dosing and pediatric medicine.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Mosteller formula instead of others?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple, validated, and widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q2: What's the average BSA for adults?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women.

Q3: Can I use pounds and inches?
A: This calculator uses metric units. Convert pounds to kg (1 lb = 0.4536 kg) and inches to cm (1 in = 2.54 cm).

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The Mosteller formula is accurate to within 1-2% of more complex calculations for most individuals.

Q5: When is BSA particularly important?
A: BSA is crucial for chemotherapy dosing, burn assessment, and pediatric drug calculations.