eGFR Unit Explanation Helper

Understand your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) value, convert between units, and learn what the number means for kidney health. This tool explains units, typical ranges, and helps you prepare questions for your doctor. Everything runs in your browser offline.

Educational only, not medical advice.

Unit Converter & Stage Checker

Your eGFR Value

Enter number. Use dot or comma for decimals.

Current Unit

eGFR Formula (for reference)

Result Explanation

Your Converted Value

85 mL/min/1.73m²

The standardized unit for reporting kidney function.

Typical Clinical Stage (for adults)

Stage 2: Mildly Reduced

Kidney function is mildly reduced. Often monitored with regular check-ups.

All Unit Conversions

Understanding Your eGFR Number

The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is the best overall measure of your kidneys' filtering ability. It tells doctors how well your kidneys are cleaning waste from your blood.

Why the "per 1.73 m²" part?

Kidney function is scaled to a standard body surface area of 1.73 square meters. This allows fair comparison between people of different sizes. The number you see is what your kidney function would be if you had that standard body size.

Step-by-Step Guide for This Tool

Enter the eGFR number from your lab report.
Select the unit as written on your report (it's usually mL/min/1.73m²).
See the converted value in the standard unit and the corresponding CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) stage.
Use the table below to understand what that stage typically means.

Realistic Examples

Example 1: A lab report says "eGFR = 95 mL/min/1.73m²". This is Stage 1 (normal or high function).
Example 2: A research paper lists "GFR = 0.085 L/sec/1.73m²". Converting gives ~85 mL/min/1.73m², which is Stage 2.
Example 3: A value of 25 mL/min/1.73m² indicates Stage 4 (severely reduced function), requiring close nephrology care.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages Reference

This table shows the standard classification. Select a stage to see typical clinical actions.

Filter by Stage

Stage	eGFR Range (mL/min/1.73m²)	Typical Description	Common Clinical Actions*

* Actions vary by individual. Always follow your doctor's plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the eGFR number?

eGFR is an estimate based on formulas (like CKD-EPI) using your creatinine level, age, and sex. It's very useful for tracking trends but has a margin of error. Your doctor will consider other tests and your overall health.

Why does my eGFR change slightly each time?

Small variations are normal due to lab precision, hydration, diet, and muscle mass. Doctors look at the trend over months or years. A consistent drop is more significant than a single slightly lower number.

When should I seek immediate medical help?

If you have symptoms like swelling, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, or very little urine output alongside a low eGFR, seek urgent care. This tool is for education, not emergency diagnosis.

Can a high eGFR be a problem?

Usually, a high eGFR (>90) is good. Very high values (>120) can sometimes occur in early diabetes, pregnancy, or with certain medications. Discuss persistently very high values with your doctor.

Formulas & Assumptions

Unit Conversions: 1 L = 1000 mL; 1 min = 60 sec. Conversions are linear scalings.

CKD-EPI Formula (2009): Used as reference standard in most labs. Incorporates serum creatinine, age, sex, and race (currently under review for modification).

CKD Stages: Based on NKF (National Kidney Foundation) classification. Ranges: Stage 1 (≥90), Stage 2 (60-89), Stage 3a (45-59), Stage 3b (30-44), Stage 4 (15-29), Stage 5 (<15).

Rounding: eGFR is rounded to the nearest whole number for display. Clinical reports may show decimals.

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