Pediatric GFR Calculation: What Parents Need to Know | Instant Calculators

If your child has had a blood test for kidney function, you might see a number called eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate). It sounds complicated, but it's simply a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

Our GFR Calculator for Children can help you estimate this number, but here is what you need to know about the science behind it.

How is GFR Calculated in Children?

For adults, there are complex formulas. For children (ages 1-18), doctors use the Bedside Schwartz Equation. It's surprisingly simple. It only needs two numbers:

1. Height: How tall the child is (in cm).
2. Creatinine: A waste product found in the blood (measured in mg/dL).

The formula is: GFR = (0.413 × Height) / Creatinine.

What is a Normal GFR?

For most children over 2 years old, a normal GFR is 90 mL/min/1.73m² or higher.

• 90+: Normal kidney function.
• 60-89: Mildly decreased function (can be normal in some cases).
• Below 60: May indicate kidney disease (consult a doctor).

Why Not Use Adult Calculators?

Never use an adult GFR calculator for a child. Children have different muscle mass and body proportions than adults. Adult formulas (like MDRD or CKD-EPI) will give incorrect results for children, potentially leading to unnecessary worry or missed diagnoses.