CURB-65 Score Calculator

CURB-65 Score Calculator for Pulmonology. Totals 0-1, 2 and 3-5 identify low, intermediate and high score categories. NICE NG250 combines these with clinical judgment; a high score does not automatically mandate ICU admission.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

Add one each for qualifying confusion, blood urea above 7 mmol/L, respiratory rate at least 30/min, systolic pressure below 90 or diastolic pressure at most 60 mmHg, and age at least 65. The two pressure findings count as one criterion. US BUN is converted to urea by dividing by 2.8.

When to use this calculator

Risk stratification after adult community-acquired pneumonia is diagnosed in hospital.

Inputs used

  • Age (years)
  • New disorientation in person, place or time, or assessed AMT score at most 8
  • Blood urea (SI) / blood urea nitrogen (US) (mmol/L; US mg/dL)
  • Respiratory rate (/min)
  • Systolic pressure (mmHg)
  • Diastolic pressure (mmHg)

Clinical interpretation

Totals 0-1, 2 and 3-5 identify low, intermediate and high score categories. NICE NG250 combines these with clinical judgment; a high score does not automatically mandate ICU admission.

Worked example

Age 70 with confusion and urea 8 mmol/L, respiratory rate 24 and BP 120/80 gives 3. Urea exactly 7 adds no point; respiratory rate exactly 30 does.

Limitations and safety notes

Oxygenation, comorbidities, clinical trajectory, pregnancy, frailty and care support are not represented fully. This is not pediatric triage or a pneumonia diagnostic test.

Frequently asked questions

Can low blood pressure count twice?

No. Either qualifying systolic or diastolic pressure adds one point, even if both meet the criterion.

What does this result leave unresolved?

Oxygenation, comorbidities, clinical trajectory, pregnancy, frailty and care support are not represented fully. This is not pediatric triage or a pneumonia diagnostic test.

References

  • https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG250/chapter/recommendations

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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