Formulas
- Mosteller: √(height in cm × weight in kg ÷ 3600)
- Du Bois: 0.007184 × weight^0.425 × height^0.725
- Haycock: 0.024265 × weight^0.5378 × height^0.3964 (often used for children)
Example
A person 5 ft 7 in (67 in) tall weighing 154 lb has a body surface area of about 1.82 m².
What it is used for
Doctors use body surface area to dose some medicines, such as chemotherapy, and to adjust heart and kidney measurements. An average adult has about 1.7 to 2.0 m².
Frequently asked questions
Which formula is best?
Mosteller is the most common because it is simple and accurate. The results of the three are usually within a few percent.
Can I use this to dose medicine?
No. Medicine doses must come from a doctor or pharmacist.
See also
Results are estimates for information only and are not financial, legal or medical advice. Rates, taxes and fees vary — confirm with a professional or your lender.