eGFR Calculator (CKD-EPI 2021 Equation)
Understanding How to Calculate Glomerular Filtration Rate
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best overall index of kidney function. It describes the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney. Since direct measurement of GFR is complicated and invasive, clinicians use "estimated GFR" (eGFR) calculated from a blood test called Serum Creatinine.
The Role of Serum Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and pass it into the urine. If kidney function declines, creatinine levels in the blood rise. However, creatinine production depends on muscle mass, which is why age and sex are critical variables in the calculation.
The CKD-EPI 2021 Formula
This calculator uses the 2021 CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation. This modern standard is designed to be more accurate across various populations and intentionally removes race as a variable to ensure clinical equity. The math involves complex exponents:
- Female: 142 × min(Scr/0.7, 1)-0.241 × max(Scr/0.7, 1)-1.200 × 0.9938Age
- Male: 142 × min(Scr/0.9, 1)-0.302 × max(Scr/0.9, 1)-1.200 × 0.9938Age
Interpretation of GFR Results
| GFR Level | Stage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 90 or above | Stage 1 | Normal or High Function |
| 60 to 89 | Stage 2 | Mildly Decreased |
| 30 to 59 | Stage 3 | Moderate Decrease |
| 15 to 29 | Stage 4 | Severe Decrease |
| Below 15 | Stage 5 | Kidney Failure |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.