Calculate body surface area from height and weight with the Mosteller and Du Bois formulas. Enter your values; the result updates as you type, with the method shown below.
About this calculator
Body surface area (BSA) is the total area of the skin, estimated from height and weight. Health professionals use it to dose some medicines, such as chemotherapy, and to index measurements like cardiac output or kidney function.
Enter your height and weight. The calculator shows your BSA with the Mosteller formula.
When to use it
- Understanding a figure in a medical report.
- Studying medicine, nursing or pharmacy.
- Checking a calculation for teaching.
- Comparing formulas.
How to read the result
Mosteller: √(height cm × weight kg / 3600). 170 cm and 70 kg give about 1.82 m². The average adult is around 1.7 to 1.9 m².
For any treatment, always follow the dose set by your doctor or pharmacist.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using it to adjust a medication yourself.
- Mixing units (inches, pounds) without converting.
- Comparing results from different formulas.
Formula
Mosteller: √(height cm × weight kg / 3600)
Worked example
170 cm and 70 kg: 1.82 m².
Frequently asked questions
What is BSA used for?
Doctors use it for some drug doses and kidney function indexes.
Which formula?
Mosteller is the most used; Du Bois is the oldest.
Which formula is used?
Mosteller, the most widely used in practice.
Why use BSA for doses?
It reflects metabolism better than weight alone for some drugs.
Can I calculate a dose with it?
No, doses are set by health professionals.
Related calculators
- Child Height Predictor (Adult Height)
- BMR Calculator (Basal Metabolic Rate)
- Lean Body Mass Calculator
- Calories Burned Calculator by Activity
- One Rep Max Calculator (1RM)
- Period Calculator: Next Periods
- All calculators in this category
Results are estimates for information only. Check important figures with a professional.