Schwartz GFR Calculator

Schwartz GFR Calculator for Pediatrics. The estimate is indexed to a body surface area of 1.73 m2. The calculator returns a continuous number without labeling a decimal gap such as 89.5 as unclassified. It does not establish CKD chronicity, a diagnosis or an absolute drug-clearance value.

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

How this calculator works

The 2009 bedside Schwartz equation is 0.413 multiplied by height in cm, divided by standardized serum creatinine in mg/dL. The tool converts height in inches and creatinine in umol/L before calculation. It is deliberately identified as the legacy bedside equation, not the newer CKiD U25 model.

When to use this calculator

Use the page to understand this historical estimate in its derivation-age context: children aged one through 16 with CKD. NIDDK now favors U25 equations for the broader eligible young population. This page does not claim the legacy equation is the preferred estimate for every child.

Inputs used

  • Age (years)
  • Height (cm)
  • IDMS-standardized serum creatinine (mg/dL)

Clinical interpretation

The estimate is indexed to a body surface area of 1.73 m2. The calculator returns a continuous number without labeling a decimal gap such as 89.5 as unclassified. It does not establish CKD chronicity, a diagnosis or an absolute drug-clearance value.

Worked example

Height 140 cm and creatinine 0.6 mg/dL give 0.413 x 140 / 0.6 = 96.3667 mL/min/1.73 m2. At 1.8 mg/dL, the estimate is 32.1222. Entering those creatinines as 53.04 or 159.12 umol/L gives the same results.

Limitations and safety notes

Unstable creatinine, unusual muscle mass and assay differences can undermine accuracy. A zero or negative creatinine is rejected. Patients below one or from age 17 are outside this implementation, and a single estimate cannot establish persistent kidney dysfunction.

Frequently asked questions

Is this CKiD U25?

No. It is the explicitly labeled 2009 bedside Schwartz equation.

Can creatinine be entered in umol/L?

Yes. Select that unit; the calculation converts using 88.4 umol/L per mg/dL.

Is the displayed value an absolute mL/min clearance?

No. It is indexed to 1.73 m2 and should not be treated as an unindexed clearance for dosing.

References

  • 0.413 bedside Schwartz equation, standardized units, derivation-age context and current preference for eligible U25 equations. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/research-funding/research-programs/kidney-clinical-research-epidemiology/laboratory/glomerular-filtration-rate-equations/children-adolescents-young-adults

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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