A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. 1916
Du Bois, D.; Du Bois, E.F.; Du Bois, D.; Du Bois, E.F.
Nutrition 5(5): 303
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9007 PMID: 2520314 Document Number: 3697
The method of calculating the surface area from the so-called "Linear Formula" is given with a slight correction in the factor for the arms and an alternative measurement for the thighs. A simpler "Height-Weight Formula" has been devised to estimate the surface of subjects if only their height and weight be known. This is expressed in the terms A=W0.425 × H0.725 × C. A being the surface area in square centimeters, H the height in centimeters, W the weight in kilograms and C the constant, 71.84. A chart has been plotted from this formula so that the approximate surface area may be determined at a glance. We may estimate the errors in the various formulas as follows: "Linear Formula" and "Height-Weight Formula," maximum±5 per cent., average 1.5 per cent., Meeh's Formula, maximum + 30 per cent., average + 15 per cent. In general the maximum figures apply only to those of unusual shape, while with those of average body form the average error will seldom be exceeded.
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