eGFR Calculator (CKD-EPI 2021)
Calculate Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate for Kidney Function
How is eGFR Calculated?
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is the standard test used by healthcare professionals to determine how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Because a direct measurement of GFR is complicated and invasive, doctors use mathematical formulas based on substances already in your blood.
The CKD-EPI 2021 Formula
Modern laboratories primarily use the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) 2021 equation. This updated version is preferred because it does not include a race variable, making it more accurate and equitable for all patients.
The calculation relies on three primary factors:
- Serum Creatinine: A waste product from muscle breakdown that is filtered by the kidneys.
- Age: Kidney function naturally declines as we get older.
- Biological Sex: Men typically have higher muscle mass and higher baseline creatinine levels than women.
Understanding the Math
The logic follows a complex exponential decay model. For example, the formula for a female is:
eGFR = 142 × min(Scr/0.7, 1)-0.241 × max(Scr/0.7, 1)-1.200 × 0.9938Age × 1.012
Interpreting Your eGFR Results
Results are categorized into stages of kidney health:
| eGFR Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 90 or higher | Stage 1: Normal kidney function |
| 60 – 89 | Stage 2: Mildly decreased function |
| 30 – 59 | Stage 3: Moderate decrease (Possible CKD) |
| 15 – 29 | Stage 4: Severe decrease in function |
| Less than 15 | Stage 5: Kidney failure |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment plans.