DuBois BSA Formula | Body Surface Area for Drug Dosing
Calculate body surface area using the DuBois and DuBois formula, the standard in oncology since 1916. Includes a worked example table and dosing reference guide. Free calculator.
The DuBois & DuBois Body Surface Area Formula
Published in 1916 by Eugene Floyd DuBois and E.H. DuBois, this formula was derived from measurements of only nine subjects but became the dominant BSA standard in clinical medicine for over a century. It remains the reference formula in many oncology drug prescribing guidelines today.
DuBois Formula
BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Height (cm)0.725 × Weight (kg)0.425
DuBois BSA Reference Table
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | BSA (m²) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 50 | 1.479 | Small adult female |
| 160 | 60 | 1.622 | Average adult female |
| 170 | 70 | 1.764 | Average adult male |
| 175 | 80 | 1.912 | Larger adult male |
| 180 | 90 | 2.048 | Tall, heavier adult |
| 185 | 100 | 2.211 | Large frame adult |
Using DuBois BSA for Chemotherapy Dosing
Many chemotherapy agents are dosed in mg/m². Once BSA is calculated, the drug dose is simply: Dose = Drug Dose (mg/m²) × BSA (m²). For example, if a protocol specifies doxorubicin at 60 mg/m² and the patient's DuBois BSA is 1.80 m², the prescribed dose is 60 × 1.80 = 108 mg.
| Drug Example | Typical Dose (mg/m²) | Dose for BSA 1.80 m² |
|---|---|---|
| Carboplatin (area) | AUC-based (Calvert) | Uses GFR, not BSA directly |
| Doxorubicin | 60 mg/m² | 108 mg |
| Paclitaxel | 175 mg/m² | 315 mg |
| Cisplatin | 75 mg/m² | 135 mg |
| Fluorouracil (5-FU) | 400–1000 mg/m² | 720–1800 mg |
Limitations of the DuBois Formula
Despite its historical dominance, the DuBois formula was derived from a very small sample and has been shown in modern studies to slightly underestimate BSA in obese individuals compared to direct measurement techniques (such as 3D body scanning). The Mosteller formula is now preferred by many institutions for its simplicity and comparable accuracy across a broader range of body types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DuBois formula accurate for obese patients?
Studies have shown that DuBois tends to slightly underestimate BSA in obese individuals. Some oncology protocols now cap BSA at 2.0 m² for dosing purposes or use actual body weight (ABW) instead of ideal body weight in the formula. Consult the specific protocol for guidance.
Can I use the DuBois formula for children?
It is less accurate for pediatric patients. The Haycock formula is more extensively validated in children and is recommended for patients under 18 years old. Always use the formula specified by the relevant pediatric protocol.