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BSA Calculator — Du Bois Formula
The Du Bois formula is the historic standard for body surface area, published in 1916 and still widely cited: BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × weight in kg^0.425 × height in cm^0.725. This calculator applies it and prints it next to Mosteller, Haycock, Gehan-George and Boyd so you can compare. For a person 180 cm tall weighing 75 kg, Du Bois gives approximately 1.94 m² — essentially identical to Mosteller at an average build. The important caveat is that Du Bois was derived from only nine subjects and tends to under-read in obese patients, which is why it is worth comparing formulas rather than trusting any single one at the extremes. Enter height and weight in metric or imperial units to see all five results. BSA (m²) drives chemotherapy and drug dosing, cardiac index and pediatric calculations. This is an estimate — clinical and chemotherapy dosing must be independently clinically verified. Free, private, browser-only.
Du Bois: BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × kg^0.425 × cm^0.725
- Worked example: 180 cm / 75 kg ≈ 1.94 m²
- Compared side by side with Mosteller, Haycock, Gehan-George and Boyd
Frequently asked questions
What is the Du Bois BSA formula?
Du Bois BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × weight in kg^0.425 × height in cm^0.725. It is the 1916 historic standard and agrees with Mosteller to about 0.01 m² at average size — for 180 cm and 75 kg both give ≈ 1.94 m². It is an estimate; verify clinically for dosing.
Is Du Bois or Mosteller more accurate?
At an average build they are effectively interchangeable. Du Bois was derived from only nine subjects and tends to under-read in obese patients, whereas Mosteller (and Haycock) are often favoured in infants and children. Because they diverge at the extremes, this tool shows both — use the formula your clinical protocol specifies when a dose depends on it.