Body surface area
Enter height and weight. The tool gives body surface area with two well-known formulas.
General information, not medical advice. This result does not replace a doctor. If in doubt or if you have symptoms, see a health professional.
Result
1.82Body surface area (m²)
- With Du Bois (m²)
- 1.81
- This result is not for working out a medicine dose. Only a health professional can do that.
Inputs
- Height
- 170
- Weight
- 70
- Formula
- Mosteller
How it is calculated
Mosteller: area = √(height in cm × weight in kg ÷ 3600).
Result
Body surface area (m²)
- With Du Bois (m²)
- 1.81
How it is calculated
- Mosteller: area = √(height in cm × weight in kg ÷ 3600).
- Du Bois: area = 0.007184 × weight^0.425 × height^0.725.
- Both give close values for adults.
Example
170 cm and 70 kg: Mosteller 1.82 m², Du Bois 1.81 m².
Good to know
- The formulas are less accurate at very low or very high weights.
- Never derive a medicine dose from this tool: ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
- Mosteller R.D. (1987), N Engl J Med
- Du Bois D. and Du Bois E.F. (1916)
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool used for?
Enter height and weight. The tool gives body surface area with two well-known formulas.
How is the result calculated?
Mosteller: area = √(height in cm × weight in kg ÷ 3600).
What should I check before using the result?
The formulas are less accurate at very low or very high weights.