Du Bois Body Surface Area
Estimates body surface area from weight and height.
When to use
Body surface area estimate for doses and indices using m² when the Du Bois formula is chosen.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The formula uses weight in kg and height in cm and returns square meters.
- Different body surface area formulas produce close but not identical results.
- Do not choose chemotherapy dose from body surface area alone; follow the specific protocol.
Fill in the fields to see the result.
Formula
Body surface area (m²) = 0.007184 × weight^0.425 × height^0.725.
Evidence
Historical formula derived from anthropometric measurements to estimate body surface area in adults.
References
- Du Bois D, Du Bois EF. Clinical calorimetry: tenth paper. A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. Arch Intern Med. 1916;17(6):863-871. doi:10.1001/archinte.1916.00080130010002
Frequently asked questions
What is Du Bois Body Surface Area?
Estimates body surface area from weight and height. Body surface area estimate for doses and indices using m² when the Du Bois formula is chosen.
How is the result calculated?
Body surface area (m²) = 0.007184 × weight^0.425 × height^0.725.
How should the result be interpreted?
Historical formula derived from anthropometric measurements to estimate body surface area in adults.
What are the sources?
Du Bois D, Du Bois EF. Clinical calorimetry: tenth paper. A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. Arch Intern Med. 1916;17(6):863-871.