Kidney Disease Stages 1 to 5, Explained
Chronic kidney disease (kidney disease) is classified into five kidney disease stages based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), together with evidence of kidney damage such as protein in the urine. Select a stage below for a detailed guide.
eGFR 90+ with kidney damage evidence Stage 2
eGFR 60–89, mild reduction Stage 3
eGFR 30–59 — split into 3a and 3b Stage 4
eGFR 15–29, severe reduction Stage 5
eGFR below 15, kidney failure range
Why staging matters
Stage information can help clinicians discuss monitoring, risk factors, treatment and follow-up. Your own care plan should be based on your complete clinical picture, not the stage number alone. Many people also want to understand what the research says about life expectancy by stage — read that guide alongside this one, with the same caution: these are population averages, not a personal prediction.
What determines your stage
Your stage is based mainly on eGFR, alongside evidence of kidney damage such as protein in the urine (measured via ACR). Two people with the same eGFR can have different overall risk depending on their ACR result, blood pressure, diabetes status and age — which is why your care team looks at the full picture rather than eGFR in isolation.
Have a blood test result? Our eGFR calculator shows which stage your number falls into.
Have questions about your kidney health?
Call 020 3996 8044 to ask about a complementary Ayurvedic wellness consultation.