Estimates your kidney filtration rate using the 2021 CKD-EPI equation (race-free). Shows your CKD stage, kidney function category, and how your eGFR connects to your cardiovascular risk in the PREVENT calculator.
Inker LA et al., NEJM 2021 · Race-free · KDIGO 2024 recommended
| Stage | eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²) | Description |
|---|
| DOAC | Dose reduction | Contraindicated |
|---|---|---|
| Apixaban | Per criteria (age/weight/creatinine) | eGFR < 15 |
| Rivaroxaban (AFib) | eGFR < 50 → 15mg daily | eGFR < 15 |
| Dabigatran | eGFR 30–50 (consider dose reduction) | eGFR < 30 |
| Edoxaban | eGFR < 50 → 30mg daily | eGFR < 15 |
Thresholds shown are for AFib indication. Confirm current prescribing information with your pharmacist.
eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate — "glomerular" refers to the glomeruli, tiny filtering units inside each kidney. A healthy adult has about 1 million glomeruli per kidney.
This calculator uses the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation (Inker LA et al., N Engl J Med 2021;385:1737–49). It's the race-free update to the original 2009 CKD-EPI equation, recommended by the NKF-ASN Task Force and now endorsed by KDIGO 2024 guidelines.
The 2021 equation takes 3 inputs: serum creatinine, age, and sex. That's it. No race variable.
The original 2009 equation included a race coefficient that delayed CKD diagnosis in Black patients. The 2021 update removed it. Most US labs switched to the 2021 equation by 2023.
eGFR is a direct input in the AHA 2023 PREVENT cardiovascular risk equations. Your kidney function affects your 10-year CVD risk estimate, and PREVENT is the only major risk tool that captures this.
All 4 oral anticoagulants require dose adjustments or are contraindicated at certain eGFR thresholds. This page shows those cutoffs so you can have a more informed conversation with your prescriber.
An eGFR of 60 or above is generally considered adequate kidney function for most adults. Below 60 for more than 3 months — or above 60 with signs of kidney damage like significant albuminuria — meets the KDIGO definition of chronic kidney disease.
A few things worth knowing about eGFR interpretation:
eGFR naturally declines with age — even in people with healthy kidneys. A value considered normal at 75 would warrant investigation at 35.
| Age range | Average eGFR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20–29 | ~116 | Peak kidney function |
| 30–39 | ~107 | Gradual natural decline begins |
| 40–49 | ~99 | ~1 mL/min/year decline typical |
| 50–59 | ~93 | eGFR below 90 needs context |
| 60–69 | ~85 | G2 range common, not always CKD |
| 70–79 | ~75 | eGFR 60–70 expected without disease |
| 80+ | ~65 | eGFR 55+ often normal for this age |
Source: Averaged from population reference data. Individual results vary significantly based on muscle mass, hydration, and comorbidities.
Got a number from your blood test and not sure what it means? Here's what each range indicates clinically.
Normal or high kidney function (G1). If there's no albuminuria or other kidney damage markers, this is not CKD. An eGFR above 120 in a younger adult can sometimes indicate hyperfiltration — worth mentioning to your doctor if you have diabetes.
Mildly reduced (G2). Common in adults over 65 and not necessarily disease. Doesn't meet the CKD definition unless kidney damage is also present. Your doctor may recommend an albuminuria (urine) test to check for early kidney damage.
Mild to moderate reduction. At this level KDIGO recommends monitoring every 6–12 months. Blood pressure control becomes especially important. This range triggers dose adjustment for some medications.
Moderate to severe reduction. Nephrology referral is typically recommended. At this level your cardiovascular risk is substantially elevated — factor this into your PREVENT cardiovascular risk calculation.
Severely reduced. Nephrology referral is strongly recommended. Preparation for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant evaluation) typically begins at this stage. Dabigatran is contraindicated at eGFR below 30.
Kidney failure. Dialysis or transplant evaluation is typically required. Most renally-cleared medications need significant dose adjustment or are contraindicated.
Yes — particularly when the underlying cause is treatable or when reversible factors are addressed.
Significant structural kidney damage (scarring, glomerulosclerosis) is generally not reversible. But progression can almost always be slowed. eGFR stability over years is a realistic and meaningful goal.
Metformin is the first-line diabetes drug and is largely renally cleared. The FDA guidance:
If your eGFR sits near these thresholds and you take metformin, discuss it at your next appointment. Don't stop without medical guidance.
The 2009 CKD-EPI equation included a race coefficient that produced higher eGFR estimates for Black patients, based on population-level data about muscle mass. The NKF-ASN Task Force found this had real clinical consequences: Black patients received higher eGFR estimates, which delayed their qualification for nephrology referrals, transplant waitlisting, and treatment.
The 2021 equation removed race entirely. For Black patients, this typically produces eGFR estimates 16% lower than the 2009 equation — meaning earlier identification of CKD and earlier access to treatment.
Kidney disease and heart disease share the same risk factors and accelerate each other. The medical term for this overlap is cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.
The 2023 AHA PREVENT equations are the first major cardiovascular risk tool to include eGFR as a direct input. An eGFR below 60 meaningfully increases your PREVENT risk estimate. Below 45, the effect on CVD risk is substantial. Calculate your PREVENT cardiovascular risk here.
If you're on a DOAC for atrial fibrillation or another indication, your eGFR directly determines whether dose adjustment is needed. All 4 approved DOACs are partially renally cleared, and standard doses can accumulate to dangerous levels in patients with reduced kidney function.
Your pharmacist recalculates this at every prescription fill. But knowing your own eGFR helps you ask the right questions. If you have AFib, check your CHA₂DS₂-VASc score alongside your eGFR — your prescriber needs both.
An eGFR of 90 or above (G1) with no other kidney damage markers is normal. G2 (60–89) is mildly reduced but not CKD on its own. Below 60 for more than 3 months is CKD by KDIGO definition. Below 15 (G5) is kidney failure.
Most US labs transitioned between 2022 and 2023 following the NKF-ASN Task Force recommendation. The 2021 equation removes the race variable. If your eGFR appears slightly lower than previous results, that's likely why — the new equation doesn't apply the race-based upward adjustment the old one did.
The 2021 CKD-EPI formula uses serum creatinine, age, and sex. The full equation uses different exponents depending on whether your creatinine is above or below the sex-specific threshold (0.7 for women, 0.9 for men). This calculator applies the correct equation branch automatically.
An eGFR below 30 (G4) warrants nephrology referral in most guidelines. Below 15 (G5) typically requires preparation for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). From a DOAC safety perspective, dabigatran is contraindicated below eGFR 30 and rivaroxaban/edoxaban require dose reduction below eGFR 50.