GFR Calculator · Practical guide
CKD Stage 3 GFR Range
Stage 3 chronic kidney disease covers an eGFR from 30 to 59, divided into two halves: G3a and G3b.
At a glance
The Stage 3 Range
CKD stage 3 means a moderately reduced eGFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73m², persisting for at least three months. It splits into two substages: G3a is 45-59 (mildly to moderately decreased) and G3b is 30-44 (moderately to severely decreased). The calculator above assigns the stage automatically from your eGFR.
Interactive tool
GFR Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Results
Full CKD Stage Table
| Stage | eGFR Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | 90 or higher | Normal or high |
| G2 | 60-89 | Mildly decreased |
| G3a | 45-59 | Mildly to moderately decreased |
| G3b | 30-44 | Moderately to severely decreased |
| G4 | 15-29 | Severely decreased |
| G5 | Below 15 | Kidney failure |
G3a vs G3b in Practice
The split matters because risk is not uniform across stage 3. People at G3a often remain stable for years and mainly need blood pressure control and monitoring. At G3b, complications like anemia and bone mineral changes become more common, and referral to a kidney specialist is usually recommended.
A Worked Example
A 60-year-old woman with a creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL gets a CKD-EPI eGFR of about 37.6 — squarely in stage G3b. A man of the same age and creatinine lands near 49.9, which is G3a. Same creatinine, different stage, which is why the stage must be calculated rather than guessed from creatinine alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is CKD staged?
CKD is staged by eGFR from G1 (normal, 90 or above) to G5 (kidney failure, below 15). A diagnosis also requires the reduced function or kidney damage to persist for at least three months.
Can stage 3 CKD be reversed?
Chronic stage 3 usually cannot be reversed, but progression can often be slowed or stopped with blood pressure control, blood sugar management, and avoiding kidney-stressing medications.
Does one low eGFR reading mean I have CKD?
No. CKD requires at least two readings showing reduced eGFR three or more months apart. A single low result may reflect dehydration or a temporary issue.
At what stage is dialysis needed?
Dialysis is generally considered at stage G5, when eGFR falls below 15 and symptoms of kidney failure appear. Most stage 3 patients never reach dialysis.