Kidney GFR Chart by Age and CKD Stages Table
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2019/01/14 - Updated: 2025/05/13
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Category Topic: Kidney Cancer - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information presents an overview of kidney function assessment through the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and its correlation with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stages. It includes detailed charts outlining GFR values by age and corresponding CKD stages, offering valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. By elucidating the significance of GFR in evaluating renal health, the resource underscores the importance of early detection and monitoring of kidney disease, which often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms. The inclusion of factors influencing GFR, such as age, sex, and body composition, enhances its utility, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities who may be at increased risk for CKD - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
What is CKD?
CKD (chronic kidney disease) means the kidneys are damaged and may no longer filter your blood properly. You should have your kidneys checked regularly, as you can be completely unaware you may have a kidney disease. Generally, there is no pain and often no telltale symptoms that could indicate kidney disease. This means CKD can go undetected and untreated for many years. Kidney tests are critical for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. These conditions can cause injury to your kidneys. The sooner you are aware you have a kidney disease, the sooner you can get treatment to help delay or even prevent total renal failure.
Main Content
What is Kidney Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR, is a key indicator of renal function.
eGFR is estimated GFR and is a mathematically derived entity based on a patient's serum creatinine level, age, sex and race. eGFR is only an estimate of kidney function and significant error is possible. The eGFR is most likely to be inaccurate in people of body type e.g. patients with limb amputations, severely malnourished and morbidly obese individuals.
Kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is determined by having a blood test to check how well your kidneys work by estimating how much blood passes through the glomeruli; tiny filters in the kidneys filter waste from the blood per minute. Medical professionals consider the kidney Glomerular Filtration Rate number to be the best measure of your kidney function, which is a key indicator of renal function. Besides the blood test result, other factors are factored in to determine your GFR number. These factors include:
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Blood Creatinine
- Creatinine Clearance Test
The creatinine clearance test involves urine collection over 24 hours and can also estimate your kidney function. The creatinine clearance test requires a urine sample as well as a blood sample. You collect all your urine for 24 hours and then have a blood test.
Labeled Cross-Section of a Human Kidney
Labeled anatomy of the human kidney. Blausen.com staff (2014). Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436.
The Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Your GFR number tells you how much kidney function you have; as kidney disease worsens, the GFR number decreases. "Normal" GFR is approximately 100, but you will often see it reported as >90 (greater than 90) or >60 (greater than 60). Dosage of drugs that are excreted primarily via urine may need to be modified based on either GFR or creatinine clearance.
A GFR number of 60 or higher is still considered to be within the normal range. A GFR number under 60 can mean you may have kidney disease. A GFR number of 15 or less may mean kidney failure.
| Stage | Kidney Function Severity | % Function |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Normal - Mild | 90% -100% |
| Stage 2 | Mild | 60% - 89% |
| Stage 3(a) | Mild to Moderate | 45% - 59% |
| Stage 3(b) | Moderate to Severe | 30% - 44% |
| Stage 4 | Severe | 15% - 29% |
| Stage 5 | Kidney Failure | Less than 15% |
GFR Number by Age
The normal range of Kidney Glomerular Filtration Rate is 100 to 130 mL/min/1.73m2 in men and 90 to 120mL/min/1.73m2 in women below 40. GFR decreases progressively after the age of 40 years.
| Age | Mean Estimated GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) |
|---|---|
| 20-29 | 116 |
| 30-39 | 107 |
| 40-49 | 99 |
| 50-59 | 93 |
| 60-69 | 85 |
| 70+ | 75 |
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Understanding kidney health is vital, particularly for those at greater risk such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. By demystifying GFR values and CKD stages, this article bridges the gap between complex medical data and practical, everyday health management. Its clear tables and explanations not only support better communication between patients and healthcare providers but also promote proactive monitoring, which is crucial in preventing the silent progression of kidney disease - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.