eGFR Calculator: MDRD and Cockcroft–Gault
Two separate calculators for an approximate assessment of kidney function: estimated glomerular filtration rate using the MDRD formula and creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft–Gault formula.
MDRD eGFR Calculator
The MDRD formula estimates glomerular filtration rate in mL/min/1.73 m². Body weight is not used in this calculation.
Cockcroft–Gault Creatinine Clearance Calculator
The Cockcroft–Gault formula provides an approximate estimate of creatinine clearance in mL/min. It requires sex, age, body weight and serum creatinine level.
What is eGFR?
eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a value used to assess how well the kidneys filter blood. In clinical practice, it helps estimate kidney function, adjust the dosage of certain medications and monitor chronic kidney disease.
MDRD eGFR Calculator
The MDRD formula uses serum creatinine, age and sex. The result is expressed in mL/min/1.73 m². This standardized value helps compare kidney function between different patients.
When MDRD may be useful
- for an approximate assessment of kidney function;
- for monitoring chronic kidney disease;
- before prescribing medicines that require caution in reduced kidney function;
- for observing changes in laboratory results over time.
Cockcroft–Gault Creatinine Clearance Calculator
The Cockcroft–Gault formula estimates creatinine clearance. It takes into account age, body weight, sex and serum creatinine. This calculation is commonly used in clinical practice, including for approximate dose adjustment of some medicines.
How to roughly interpret eGFR results
| eGFR result | Approximate meaning |
|---|---|
| 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher | Usually corresponds to normal or near-normal kidney function if there are no other signs of kidney damage. |
| 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m² | May indicate mild reduction or age-related change. It should be interpreted together with urine tests and other clinical data. |
| 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m² | Requires medical attention, especially if the result persists or the patient has other health conditions. |
| 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m² | Significant reduction in kidney function. Specialist evaluation is recommended. |
| Below 15 mL/min/1.73 m² | Severe kidney function impairment. Prompt medical assessment is required. |
Which formula is better: MDRD or Cockcroft–Gault?
MDRD is more often used to estimate eGFR, while the Cockcroft–Gault formula is used to estimate creatinine clearance. In different clinical situations, a doctor may rely on different formulas, so calculator results should not be interpreted in isolation.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if eGFR is reduced, creatinine is elevated, protein is found in urine, or if there are swelling, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or medicines that may affect kidney function.
Search medicines, active ingredients, pharmacological groups and useful medical information in the Allmed reference database.
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Browse questions from patients and general medical answers prepared for informational purposes.
Need help understanding your kidney function results?
If your creatinine is elevated, eGFR is reduced, protein is found in urine, or you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, it is better to discuss your results with a healthcare professional.
- Explanation of creatinine and eGFR results
- General interpretation of possible kidney function changes
- Guidance on when to contact a doctor
- Help preparing questions for your physician
