If your blood test shows an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), it is natural to compare it with a “normal for my age” chart. Kidney filtering tends to decline with age, but an age average cannot tell you by itself whether your kidneys are healthy.
Your healthcare professional also considers previous eGFR results, a urine albumin test, your medical history, and whether a change has persisted. Here is how to read the age figures without overlooking those other pieces.
Want help building habits that support kidney health? Explore the Kidney Health program. Use it alongside your clinician’s interpretation of your blood and urine tests.
Average eGFR by age
The National Kidney Foundation provides these average estimated eGFR values for adults. Results are usually reported in mL/min/1.73 m².
| Age | Average eGFR |
|---|---|
| 20–29 years | 116 |
| 30–39 years | 107 |
| 40–49 years | 99 |
| 50–59 years | 93 |
| 60–69 years | 85 |
| 70 years and older | 75 |
An average is not a minimum you must reach. An eGFR below the figure for your age group does not automatically mean you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). An eGFR close to the average does not rule out kidney damage either. A urine test may reveal albumin leakage even when eGFR is relatively high.
What does eGFR measure?
eGFR estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Laboratories usually calculate it using a blood creatinine result along with information such as age and sex. It is an estimate, so your clinician interprets it in context.
A result can change between tests. If a reading is unexpected, your clinician may compare it with older results, repeat it, and look for a cause. Our guide to whether creatinine fluctuates daily explains why one reading rarely tells the full story.
What eGFR ranges mean
Clinicians use these eGFR categories when assessing kidney function:
| eGFR | Kidney function category |
|---|---|
| 90 or above | Normal or high filtering |
| 60–89 | Mildly decreased filtering |
| 45–59 | Mildly to moderately decreased filtering |
| 30–44 | Moderately to severely decreased filtering |
| 15–29 | Severely decreased filtering |
| Below 15 | Kidney failure range |
An eGFR of 60–89 alone does not establish CKD. In this range, clinicians look for evidence of kidney damage, such as persistent albumin in urine. An eGFR below 60 that persists for at least three months may indicate CKD. A sudden drop needs assessment for a potentially acute problem rather than an assumption that it is long-standing CKD.
For a fuller explanation, see our guide to CKD stages and what they mean.
Looking for a structured kidney-friendly routine? Review the Kidney Health program. Base any food or fluid changes on your own test results and treatment plan.
Why the urine albumin test matters
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) checks whether albumin, a protein, is leaking into your urine. It can show evidence of kidney damage that an eGFR result alone might miss.
Consider two people with the same eGFR: one has no albumin in urine, while the other has persistent albumin leakage. Their kidney risk and follow-up needs may differ. Ask for the results together rather than judging your health by one age-based eGFR chart.
Testing is particularly important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease.
What if your eGFR seems low for your age?
Avoid trying to raise the number quickly with extra water, supplements, or a restrictive diet. Instead, ask your healthcare professional:
- How does this result compare with my previous eGFR tests?
- Have I had a uACR test, and what did it show?
- Could a recent illness or other factor explain a change?
- Should the test be repeated, and when?
- Do my blood pressure, diabetes care, or medicines need review?
An improvement may reflect recovery from a temporary problem; established CKD usually needs ongoing care. Our article on whether a low GFR can be reversed looks at that difference.
Does an older person with an eGFR below 60 have CKD?
Age affects the interpretation and outlook of a result, but it should not be used to dismiss a persistent low eGFR. A clinician will consider how long the result has been present, urine albumin, other illnesses, medicines, and how quickly results are changing.
Likewise, a younger adult should not assume that a result of 80 means CKD solely because it is below their age-group average. The next step is an individual assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eGFR of 90 good at any age?
It generally indicates good estimated filtering, but kidney damage can still be present. A urine albumin test and your health history help complete the picture.
Is an eGFR of 75 normal for a 70-year-old?
Seventy-five is the average shown for adults aged 70 and above in the National Kidney Foundation’s chart. It is not a guarantee that a particular person has no kidney disease. Their urine results and trend matter.
Can eGFR improve?
Yes, a reading may improve, especially if a temporary cause of a lower result is addressed. Ask your clinician what the change means in your case.
Should I drink more water to increase eGFR?
Do not use extra water to chase a test number. Some people have fluid limits, and drinking more does not repair chronic kidney damage. Follow your personal fluid guidance.
The takeaway
A “good eGFR for your age” is not a single number. Use age averages for context, then look at your eGFR trend, urine albumin, and health history with your healthcare professional. Those details are more useful for deciding whether you need further tests or a change in care.
Ready to make supportive habits part of your routine? See the Kidney Health program. Review its suggestions with your care team so they fit your kidney results.