Body surface area tracks metabolic size better than weight alone, which is why it is used in several clinical calculations.
How to use the Body Surface Area Calculator
- Height
- Weight
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Mosteller multiplies height and weight, divides by 3600 and takes the square root.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Height | Units: cm, m, mm, in, ft |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, g, oz, st |
What each result means
- BSA (Mosteller) = sqrt([Height]×[Weight]÷3600)
- BSA (Du Bois) = 0.007184 × [Weight]^0.425 × [Height]^0.725
Example values
How the main result changes when Height changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Height (cm) | BSA (Mosteller) (m²) |
|---|---|
| 87.5 | 1.304 |
| 131.25 | 1.598 |
| 175 | 1.845 |
| 218.75 | 2.062 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Mosteller: BSA = √(height cm × weight kg ÷ 3600)Du Bois: BSA = 0.007184 × W^0.425 × H^0.725Worked example
Inputs — Height: 175 cm; Weight: 70 kg.
Results — BSA (Mosteller) = 1.845 m²; BSA (Du Bois) = 1.848 m².
Key terms
- BSA
- Body surface area.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical adult BSA?
About 1.9 m² for men and 1.6 m² for women.
Which formula is best?
Mosteller is the most widely used because it is simple and accurate.
What formula does the Body Surface Area Calculator use?
Mosteller: BSA = √(height cm × weight kg ÷ 3600).