GFR Calculator

Calculate estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) to assess kidney function. Uses CKD-EPI formula.

Estimate kidney function with eGFR.

About This Calculator

The GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calculator is the gold standard for assessing kidney function. GFR measures how much blood your kidneys filter per minute, expressed in mL/min/1.73m². This value determines the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and guides treatment decisions, medication dosing, and lifestyle recommendations.

Your kidneys filter approximately 180 liters of blood daily, removing waste products and excess fluid while retaining essential nutrients. When kidney function declines, waste products accumulate in the blood, leading to complications. Early detection through GFR monitoring is crucial because CKD often has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, and age over 60.

This calculator uses the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation, which is more accurate than older formulas like MDRD, especially for normal and mildly decreased kidney function. The formula accounts for serum creatinine, age, and sex. Race was removed from the 2021 updated formula to improve equity in clinical care.

CKD-EPI Formula (2021)

eGFR = 142 × min(Cr/κ, 1)^α × max(Cr/κ, 1)^-1.200 × 0.9938^Age × (1.012 if female)
κ = 0.7 (female), 0.9 (male); α = -0.241 (female), -0.302 (male)

Cr = serum creatinine in mg/dL. Results in mL/min/1.73m².

CKD Stages

StageGFR RangeDescriptionAction
1≥90Normal or highMonitor, manage risk factors
260-89Mildly decreasedEstimate progression
3a45-59Mildly-moderately decreasedAssess complications
3b30-44Moderately-severely decreasedTreat complications
415-29Severely decreasedPrepare for kidney replacement
5<15Kidney failureDialysis or transplant

Practical Example

A 55-year-old man with creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL: eGFR ≈ 72 mL/min/1.73m² — Stage 2 CKD (mildly decreased). Annual monitoring recommended.

Health Tips

  • Control blood pressure (<130/80) to protect kidney function
  • Manage blood sugar if diabetic—glucose damages kidneys
  • Stay hydrated but don't overhydrate
  • Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) when possible
  • Annual screening if you have diabetes, hypertension, or family history

Related tools: Creatinine Clearance Calculator for medication dosing, BSA Calculator for body surface area, and Metabolic Syndrome Calculator for comprehensive risk assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GFR calculated?

eGFR uses CKD-EPI formula: 142 × min(Cr/κ,1)^α × max(Cr/κ,1)^-1.2 × 0.9938^Age, adjusted for sex. Uses serum creatinine, age, and sex to estimate filtration rate.

What is a normal GFR level?

Normal GFR is 90+ mL/min/1.73m². 60-89 is mildly decreased, 30-59 moderate CKD, 15-29 severe, below 15 is kidney failure requiring dialysis.

What causes low GFR?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are top causes. Others: dehydration, kidney disease, certain medications, age. Low GFR doesn't always mean kidney damage—temporary factors affect it.