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  6. Laboratory Evaluation of Kidney Disease
  7. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Calculators
  8. Recommended eGFR Calculators

Recommended eGFR Calculators

Regardless of the equation used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the eGFR value is an estimate and is not a precise measure of kidney function. Estimates of GFR may be higher or lower than a person’s actual GFR, and uncertainty increases as GFR increases. eGFR calculators that provide estimates without use of a race coefficient are preferred for adults and children.1 Assessing eGFR trends to observe kidney function change over time, rather than using a single point estimate of eGFR, may provide a more meaningful indicator of prognosis.

Adult eGFR Calculators

We are upgrading our adult eGFR calculators. Please use the National Kidney Foundation’s eGFR calculator to estimate GFR in adults ages 18 and older.

For patients ages 18 to 25, we recommend using both the adult calculator and the pediatric 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease in Children under 25 (CKiD U25) calculator. Comparing the estimates from both calculators may provide a more informed assessment of kidney function for the patient.

Pediatric eGFR Calculators

The 2021 CKiD U25 calculator is preferred for use in children, as it exhibits less bias across a broader age range than the 2009 CKiD “bedside” calculator.2 The 2009 CKiD “bedside” calculator is older, but the equation is still commonly used in routine clinical practice.3

To estimate time to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children, use the Estimating Time to ESRD in Children with CKD calculator, developed using data from the NIDDK-funded CKiD study and the ESCAPE study.4

2021 CKiD U25 calculator

We are upgrading our pediatric eGFR calculator. Please use the NIDDK-funded CKiD U25 eGFR calculator,2 an interactive app developed by the hCode team, to calculate eGFR for children and young adults ages 1 to 25.

For patients ages 18 to 25, we recommend using both the pediatric 2021 CKiD U25 calculator and the adult calculator. Comparing the estimates from both calculators may provide a more informed assessment of kidney function for the patient.

2009 CKiD “bedside” calculator

The CKiD “bedside” equation calculator uses serum creatinine and height to estimate GFR in children ages 1 to 16. The calculator is offered in conventional and SI units.

For Children (Conventional Units)
Enter a numeric value of at least 0.001
Enter a numeric height of at least 0.1 centimeters (cm)
GFR estimate (mL/min/1.73 m²)
mL/min/1.73 m²
For Children (SI Units)
Enter a numeric value of at least 0.001
Enter a numeric height of at least 0.1 centimeters (cm)
GFR estimate (mL/min/1.73 m²)
mL/min/1.73 m²
  • The NIDDK’s eGFR calculators rely on creatinine determinations that are isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) traceable. All laboratories should be using creatinine methods calibrated to be IDMS traceable.
  • This calculator should only be used for children ages 1 to 16.
  • All estimating equations estimate GFR. A person’s actual GFR may be higher or lower than the estimate. GFR may be best assessed by monitoring trends over time rather than a single point estimate. Estimating equations become less accurate as GFR increases.

References

Last Reviewed December 2022
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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.