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Normal: 0.7–1.2 (men), 0.5–1.1 (women) mg/dL
Used only for the legacy MDRD formula. CKD-EPI 2021 is race-free.
Note: The CKD-EPI 2021 equation is race-free and is the current standard recommended by the NKF and ASN. The MDRD formula is shown for reference only. Race coefficient in MDRD is debated; the newer equation eliminates this variable.
eGFR — CKD-EPI 2021
mL/min/1.73 m²
StageeGFR RangeDescription
G1≥ 90Normal or high kidney function
G260 – 89Mildly decreased
G3a45 – 59Mildly to moderately decreased
G3b30 – 44Moderately to severely decreased
G415 – 29Severely decreased
G5< 15Kidney failure
Disclaimer: eGFR is a screening estimate. CKD diagnosis requires at least two abnormal readings ≥ 3 months apart. Consult a nephrologist for clinical decisions.

Estimate your kidney function (eGFR) from a blood creatinine level, using the current race-free CKD-EPI 2021 equation alongside the older MDRD formula for reference.

How It Works

How GFR Calculator Works

CKD-EPI 2021 — the equation this calculator leads with, and the current standard recommended by the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology — estimates eGFR from serum creatinine, age, and sex using a formula with different coefficients depending on whether your creatinine falls above or below a sex-specific threshold. Unlike its predecessor, it does not include a race adjustment.

The older MDRD formula (186 × creatinine^−1.154 × age^−0.203, adjusted for sex and, in its original form, race) is shown alongside for reference only — it is included because some older lab reports and clinical records still cite it, but CKD-EPI 2021 is now the preferred equation in current clinical guidelines.

Your result is classified into one of six CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) stages, from G1 (normal or high function, eGFR ≥ 90) down to G5 (kidney failure, eGFR < 15), each with different monitoring and management implications.

Worked Example

See It In Action

A 45-year-old woman with a serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL has an estimated CKD-EPI 2021 eGFR of about 70.8 mL/min/1.73m² — placing her in Stage G2 (mildly decreased function, 60–89 range) — compared to an MDRD estimate of roughly 63.7 for the same inputs, illustrating how the two equations can diverge for the same person.
Real-World Use Cases

Who Uses GFR Calculator and Why

  • Understanding an eGFR value that appeared on a recent lab report by seeing which CKD stage it falls into.
  • Comparing a result under the current CKD-EPI 2021 equation against the older MDRD formula that may appear on older records.
  • Getting general context on kidney function trends before a follow-up conversation with a healthcare provider.
Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating a single eGFR reading as a diagnosis — a formal CKD diagnosis generally requires at least two abnormal readings at least three months apart along with other clinical context, not one calculator result.
  • Comparing an eGFR calculated here directly against an old MDRD-based lab value without noting which formula was used — the two equations can diverge meaningfully for the same person.
  • Not accounting for the fact CKD-EPI 2021 removed the race-based adjustment used in older versions, which can explain why an older report's number looks different from this calculator's result.
Pro Tips

Tips for Best Results

  • Use CKD-EPI 2021 as your primary reference, since it's the current standard recommended by the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology — treat the MDRD figure as historical context only.
  • If your result falls outside the normal range (under 60), bring it to a healthcare provider rather than interpreting it alone — they can order repeat testing and check other markers like proteinuria.
Troubleshooting

Fixing Common Problems

My eGFR here doesn't match what's on an older lab report. — Older reports sometimes used the MDRD formula, which for the same creatinine value can produce a meaningfully different number than the current CKD-EPI 2021 equation this calculator leads with — check which formula the lab report cites.

Glossary

Terms Explained

eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): An estimate of how well the kidneys filter blood, calculated from serum creatinine along with age and sex.

CKD stage: One of six categories (G1 through G5) that classify kidney function based on eGFR, from normal function down to kidney failure.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the calculator show two different formulas?
CKD-EPI 2021 is the current clinical standard and generally more accurate, but MDRD is shown for reference since it appears on some older lab reports and clinical records still in circulation — comparing both can help you understand a result cited under either equation.
Why was race removed from the newer equation?
Race-based adjustment in kidney function equations was a subject of significant clinical debate, as race is a social construct rather than a reliable biological variable for estimating kidney filtration — CKD-EPI 2021 was developed specifically to remove that variable while maintaining accuracy.
Does a single eGFR result mean I have kidney disease?
No — a formal CKD diagnosis generally requires at least two abnormal eGFR readings at least three months apart, along with other clinical context. A single result, especially one only mildly outside the normal range, is not a diagnosis on its own.
What should I do if my eGFR is low?
Any result below the normal range (under 60) warrants a conversation with a healthcare provider or nephrologist, who can consider your full clinical picture, order repeat testing, and check for other markers like proteinuria before drawing conclusions.