Things You'll Need:
- calculator with exponential function, x^y
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Step 1
First, measure your weight in kilograms (kg) and height in centimeters (cm). If you need to convert from pounds and inches, use 1 lb = .4535 kg, and 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Call the weight in kg "W," and the height in cm "H."
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Step 2
Now, calculate your approximate BSA using the Mosteller formula, the most commonly used formula.
BSA = [W^(0.5)][H^(0.5)]/60 m²
For example, a 69 kg man who is 178 cm tall would have a BSA of
[69^(0.5)][178^(0.5)]/60
= [8.3066][13.3417]/60
= 1.84 m² -
Step 3
Next, use the Dubois formula, another popular estimate of BSA.
BSA = [W^(0.425)][H^(0.725)]/139.2
For example, the same man given above would have an approximate body surface area of
[6.0466][42.8109]/139.2 = 1.86 m² -
Step 4
Two more obscure formulas for calculating the area of skin are from Gehan & George, and Hancock. Respectively they are
BSA = [W^(0.51456)][H^(0.42246)]/42.5532, and
BSA = [W^(0.5378)][H^(0.3964)]/41.2116
These equations are very similar and give values very close to one another. -
Step 5
You can also calculate the area of a human body surface with this equation, developed by Boyd. Here, weight "W" is in grams, not kilograms. For conversion, 1000 g = 1 kg. Also, the exponent of W is more complicated than before.
BSA = [W^(P)][H^(0.3)]/3118.179, where
P = 0.7285 - 0.0188Log(W)
Using the same example of the man with H = 178 cm and W = 69000 g, we have
P = 0.7285 - (0.0188)(4.83885)
= .63753
and,
BSA = [1215.933][4.733]/3118.179 = 1.845 m²
