Pediatric BSA Calculator
The Pediatric BSA Calculator estimates Body Surface Area (BSA) using precise weight and height measurements. This essential tool helps medical professionals determine accurate medication dosages and physiological parameters for children. Whether you are calculating chemotherapy doses or assessing cardiac index, this calculator provides reliable results for clinical decision-making.
How Body Surface Area Is Calculated
Body Surface Area represents the total external area of the human body and is crucial for determining proper medical dosages. The calculation converts your inputs into metric units (kilograms and centimeters) to ensure consistency across formulas. By applying a geometric relationship derived from body measurements, the tool provides a standardized estimate used in clinical guidelines.
BSA = √(Height(cm) × Weight(kg) / 3600)
Where:
- √ = Square root
- Height is in centimeters
- Weight is in kilograms
- /3600 is the Mosteller constant
This method, particularly the Mosteller formula, is preferred in clinical settings for its simplicity and accuracy. Whether using Du Bois or Haycock formulas, the goal is to translate simple growth metrics into a reliable physiological value for safe treatment planning.
What Your Body Surface Area Means
Your BSA result indicates the total surface area of the child's body in square meters (m²). This number is vital because many medical dosages, especially for chemotherapy and cardiac medications, are calculated based on BSA rather than weight alone to ensure efficacy and safety.
| Development Stage | BSA Range | Clinical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Neonatal / Infant | 0.20 – 0.45 m² | High metabolic demand; requires precise dosing. |
| Early Childhood | 0.46 – 0.65 m² | Rapid growth phase; metabolic rates peak. |
| School Age | 0.66 – 1.10 m² | Steady growth; organ function matures. |
| Adolescent | 1.11 – 2.20 m² | Near-adult physiology; transition to adult protocols. |
This calculator is a screening tool for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before administering medication or making clinical decisions based on these results.
Pro Tip
Re-calculate BSA during every major growth spurt. A change in BSA of just 0.1 m² can significantly alter the required dosage for potent medications.