About BMI & BSA Calculator
When to Use
- For screening of weight categories in adults
- For monitoring weight status in clinical settings
- For population health assessments
- When calculating medication doses based on BSA
Pearls/Pitfalls
- BMI is not a diagnostic tool
- Does not directly measure body fat percentage
- May overestimate body fat in athletes
- May underestimate body fat in elderly
- Not valid for pregnant women
- Different cutoff points may apply for some ethnic groups
Why Use
- Quick screening tool for weight status
- Widely accepted international standard
- Correlates with future health risks
- BSA useful for drug dosing and other clinical calculations
- Simple measurements needed
About the Formula
Historical Development
The BMI (Body Mass Index) was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s as the "Quetelet Index". It was renamed BMI by Ancel Keys in 1972.
The BSA (Body Surface Area) calculation uses the Mosteller formula (1987), which provides a simplified yet accurate method for estimating body surface area.
Calculate BMI & BSA
Results
BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| ≥ 30.0 | Obese |