Estimate your glomerular filtration rate for kidney health
Your Estimated GFR Result
How to Use This GFR Calculator
- Enter your age in years (must be 18 or older)
- Select your gender (male or female)
- Indicate if you’re of African American descent
- Enter your most recent serum creatinine level
- Click “Calculate GFR” to get your kidney function estimate
Note: This calculator uses the CKD-EPI formula which is the most accurate for GFR estimation.
About This GFR Calculator
This Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Calculator is a powerful tool designed to estimate your kidney function based on the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation, which is currently the most accurate formula for GFR estimation.
Key Features
- Accurate Calculations: Uses the clinically validated CKD-EPI formula
- Comprehensive Inputs: Considers age, gender, race, and creatinine levels
- Detailed Interpretation: Provides stage classification and explanation of results
- Responsive Design: Works perfectly on all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple, clean design with clear instructions
Why Use This Tool?
- Early detection of kidney function decline
- Monitoring chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Understanding lab results better
- No registration or personal data collection required
What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the gold standard measurement for assessing kidney function. It represents how much blood your kidneys filter each minute, measured in milliliters per minute (mL/min). A normal GFR varies by age, but generally ranges from 90-120 mL/min/1.73m² in healthy young adults.
Why GFR Matters for Your Health
Your kidneys play a crucial role in:
- Filtering waste products from blood
- Regulating blood pressure
- Maintaining electrolyte balance
- Producing hormones
A low GFR indicates impaired kidney function, which can lead to serious health complications if left unchecked. Early detection through GFR measurement allows for timely intervention.
How the GFR Calculator Works
Our calculator uses the CKD-EPI formula, which is more accurate than older formulas (like MDRD) especially for people with near-normal kidney function. The calculation considers:
- Serum creatinine level: A waste product from muscle metabolism
- Age: Kidney function naturally declines with age
- Gender: Men typically have more muscle mass than women
- Race: African Americans often have higher muscle mass
Interpreting Your GFR Results
The National Kidney Foundation classifies kidney function into stages based on GFR:
- Stage 1 (GFR ≥ 90): Normal or high kidney function
- Stage 2 (GFR 60-89): Mild reduction
- Stage 3a (GFR 45-59): Mild to moderate reduction
- Stage 3b (GFR 30-44): Moderate to severe reduction
- Stage 4 (GFR 15-29): Severe reduction
- Stage 5 (GFR < 15): Kidney failure
Limitations of GFR Estimation
While our calculator provides a good estimate:
- It’s not as accurate as measured GFR (from specialized tests)
- Results may vary if you have unusual muscle mass
- Certain medications can affect creatinine levels
- Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice
Improving Your Kidney Health
If your GFR is lower than normal:
- Control blood pressure and diabetes
- Maintain a kidney-friendly diet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid NSAIDs and nephrotoxic substances
- Exercise regularly
- Don’t smoke
When to See a Doctor
Consult a nephrologist if
- Your GFR is below 60
- You notice persistent swelling or fatigue
- You have diabetes or hypertension
- There’s protein in your urine
Remember, early detection and management can slow or prevent kidney disease progression. Use our GFR calculator regularly to monitor your kidney health, but always follow up with professional medical advice