PEDIATRICS Vol. 53 No. 6 June 1974, pp. 954
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Simple Rule for Converting Body Weight to Body Surface

Norman A. Harvey M.D.1

1 66 Park Street, Glen Falls, New York 12801

The body surface area (BSA) in square meters is commonly used to determine daily body water and electrolyte needs. Most pediatric fluid and electrolyte problems are calculated in patients under 70 lb in body weight (1.004 sq m).

To arrive at the proper decimal fraction of the BSA for infants and small children one needs a slide rule, nomogram or pocket calculator, all of which have a way of never being handy when needed. The standard formula (see below) may be used but this is a bother.