Estimate kidney function from a creatinine blood test, age and sex — using the CKD-EPI 2021 equation recommended by international kidney guidelines. Add cystatin C for a more accurate estimate.

eGFR estimates how many millilitres of blood the kidneys filter each minute (per 1.73 m² body surface). Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed only when a low eGFR, or signs of kidney damage such as protein in the urine, last for at least 3 months.
| Stage | eGFR | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | 90 or more | Normal or high — CKD only if there are other signs of kidney damage |
| G2 | 60–89 | Mildly decreased |
| G3a | 45–59 | Mildly to moderately decreased |
| G3b | 30–44 | Moderately to severely decreased |
| G4 | 15–29 | Severely decreased — kidney specialist care |
| G5 | Below 15 | Kidney failure |
When creatinine is rising or falling quickly (acute kidney injury, after a blockage is relieved), the estimate lags behind real function.
Body-builders, amputees, very thin or bed-bound people, and high-protein or creatine supplements can make creatinine misleading. Cystatin C helps here.
The equation is not designed for pregnancy or for children under 18 — different methods are used.
Inker LA et al., N Engl J Med 2021. Creatinine µmol/L ÷ 88.4 = mg/dL. Results are rounded to whole numbers.
No. Creatinine is the blood test; eGFR is calculated from it together with your age and sex, and is a better guide to how well the kidneys filter.
Not necessarily. Values of 60–89 are common, especially with age. It counts as chronic kidney disease only if there are other signs of kidney damage, such as protein in the urine, for 3 months or more.
Yes, sometimes — for example after dehydration is corrected or a blockage (stone, enlarged prostate) is treated. Long-standing damage usually doesn't reverse, but its progress can often be slowed.
No special preparation is needed. Drink normally; being dehydrated can make the result look worse than it is.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nameirakpam Shantajit, M.Ch Urology (MMC Reg. No. MNP 150) · Last reviewed: 22 October 2026