Enter the serum creatinine level and the height of the child into the calculator to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the Schwartz formula.

Schwartz Formula Calculator

Enter a child’s height and creatinine to estimate eGFR.

Creatinine in mg/dL
Creatinine in µmol/L

Medical note: For informational use only—not medical advice. eGFR estimates can be inaccurate when creatinine is changing rapidly (such as during acute illness) and should not be used to diagnose or treat; use lab-measured values and consult a pediatric clinician.

Related Calculators

Updated (Bedside) Schwartz Equation

This calculator uses the updated (often called “bedside”) Schwartz equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in children and adolescents using k = 0.413. Different Schwartz versions exist, and results can depend on the creatinine assay method—confirm which equation and lab method your clinician/lab uses.

eGFR = (0.413 × Height(cm)) / Serum Creatinine(mg/dL)

Where:

  • eGFR is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m²)
  • k is a constant (0.413 in the updated/bedside Schwartz equation)
  • Height is the height of the child in centimeters (cm)
  • Serum Creatinine is the measured level of creatinine in the blood (mg/dL)

To calculate the estimated GFR, multiply 0.413 by the height of the child (cm) and divide by the serum creatinine level (mg/dL).

What is the Schwartz Formula?

The Schwartz formula refers to a family of pediatric equations used to estimate kidney function. Earlier versions (developed in the 1970s) used different constants by age/sex and older creatinine measurement methods, while the updated/bedside Schwartz equation commonly uses k = 0.413 with modern creatinine assays.

How to Calculate GFR using the Schwartz Formula?

The following steps outline how to calculate the estimated GFR using the Schwartz Formula.

  1. First, measure the height of the child in centimeters (cm).
  2. Next, obtain the serum creatinine level from a blood test (mg/dL).
  3. Use the constant k value of 0.413 for the updated/bedside Schwartz equation.
  4. Insert the values into the equation: eGFR = (0.413 * Height) / Serum Creatinine.
  5. Calculate the estimated GFR (eGFR) in mL/min/1.73 m².
  6. Compare the result with the calculator above to verify your calculation.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Height of the child = 120 cm

Serum Creatinine level = 0.6 mg/dL