Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator

Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator for Endocrinology. BSA describes estimated body size. A large or small result is not a health diagnosis, and there is no universal therapeutic BSA target.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

The implemented Mosteller equation is BSA = square root of (height in cm x weight in kg / 3600), returning square metres. No alternative BSA equations are selectable here.

When to use this calculator

When a specific clinical protocol calls for an estimated BSA. Any subsequent dosing or indexing must follow that protocol's specified method.

Inputs used

  • Height
  • Weight

Clinical interpretation

BSA describes estimated body size. A large or small result is not a health diagnosis, and there is no universal therapeutic BSA target.

Worked example

At 170 cm and 70 kg, BSA = sqrt(11900/3600) = 1.8181 m2, displayed approximately as 1.82. Retain adequate precision for any separate protocol calculation.

Limitations and safety notes

The formula does not choose medicines, determine a dose cap or resolve weight selection in unusual body composition. Not every anticancer regimen is dosed by BSA.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool offer Du Bois as well as Mosteller?

No. The current component implements Mosteller only.

Should I automatically cap a large BSA?

No. Apply the exact treatment protocol rather than a generic cap inferred from this result.

References

  • Mosteller RD. Simplified calculation of body-surface area. 1987. PMID: 3657876. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3657876/
  • DICOM. CP-1028: Patient size and body surface area. https://dicom.nema.org/medical/dicom/final/cp1028_ft.pdf

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 7, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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