Typical reference ranges
| Test | Typical adult range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Creatinine | Men 0.74–1.35 mg/dL (65–120 µmol/L); women 0.59–1.04 mg/dL (52–92 µmol/L) | Higher with more muscle |
| Urea | 15–45 mg/dL (2.5–7.5 mmol/L) | Also rises with dehydration and high protein |
| BUN (blood urea nitrogen) | 7–20 mg/dL | US reports; urea ≈ BUN × 2.14 |
| eGFR | 90+ mL/min/1.73m² | Below 60 for 3+ months = CKD |
| Sodium | 135–145 mmol/L | — |
| Potassium | 3.5–5.0 mmol/L | Above 6.0 is dangerous |
| Uric acid | Men 3.4–7.0, women 2.4–6.0 mg/dL | High in gout and kidney disease |
Ranges based on: MedlinePlus; Mayo Clinic; KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD. Full references are listed at the end of this page.
Use your own lab's range. Reference ranges differ between labs, analysers and methods, and with age, sex and pregnancy. The range printed on your report takes priority over the figures here.
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Kidney function (CKD-EPI 2021) from creatinine, age and sex.
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Tests in this panel
Creatinine and eGFR
Creatinine comes from muscle and is cleared by the kidneys. When kidney function falls, creatinine rises. Because creatinine also depends on muscle mass, labs calculate an estimated GFR (eGFR), which adjusts for age and sex. The eGFR calculator on this site uses the race-free CKD-EPI 2021 equation recommended by KDIGO.
Stages of chronic kidney disease (KDIGO)
G1: eGFR 90+ with signs of kidney damage; G2: 60–89; G3a: 45–59; G3b: 30–44; G4: 15–29; G5: below 15 (kidney failure). Protein in the urine (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) is checked alongside, because it adds to risk.
Common reasons for abnormal results
- Dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea (urea rises more than creatinine)
- Long-standing diabetes and high blood pressure, the main causes of chronic kidney disease
- Kidney stones blocking urine flow
- Medicines such as painkillers (NSAIDs), some antibiotics and contrast dyes
- High protein intake, creatine supplements and heavy exercise (raise creatinine slightly)
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal creatinine level?
About 0.74–1.35 mg/dL for men and 0.59–1.04 mg/dL for women, though labs differ.
Is RFT the same as KFT?
Yes. Renal function test and kidney function test are the same panel.
Can dehydration raise creatinine?
Yes, along with urea. Levels usually settle after rehydration.
What eGFR is kidney disease?
An eGFR below 60 for three months or more, or signs of kidney damage such as protein in the urine.
Sources and references
- MedlinePlus: Creatinine Test
- Mayo Clinic: Creatinine test
- KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD
- NHS: Chronic kidney disease