Du Bois formula for calculation of body surface area (BSA), was developed by Du Bois EF and Du Bois D in 1916 [1]. It is a complex formula which requires weight in kilograms and height in centimeters.
BSA (m²) = 0.007184 x (weight in kg)^0.425 x (height in cm)^0.725.
Du Bois formula is useful for calculating BSA when needed for finding out dosage of medications and caloric needs. It may be inaccurate in obese individuals and in children [2]. Alternate formulae which can be used in such situations are Mosteller formula [BSA = √(height in cm) x (weight in kg) / 3600] and Haycock formula [0.024265 x (height in cm)0.3964 x (weight in kg)0.5378].
References
- Du Bois D, Du Bois EF. A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. 1916. Nutrition. 1989 Sep-Oct;5(5):303-11; discussion 312-3. PMID: 2520314.
- Flint B, Das JM, Hall CA. Body Surface Area. [Updated 2025 Feb 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559005/