Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1 to 5, Explained

Chronic kidney disease is classified into five stages based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), together with evidence of kidney damage such as protein in the urine. Stage information helps your care team discuss monitoring, risk factors, and follow-up — but your own care plan should be based on your complete clinical picture, not the stage number alone.

Chronic kidney disease stage 3

Stage 3 kidney disease (eGFR 30–59) is one of the most common stages people are told about after a routine blood test. It's split into two sub-stages: 3a (eGFR 45–59, mild-to-moderate reduction) and 3b (eGFR 30–44, moderate-to-severe reduction). Many people live with stage 3 CKD for years without significant progression, particularly with good blood pressure and diabetes control — most people with stage 3 CKD do not progress to kidney failure.

Stage 4 kidney disease

Stage 4 (eGFR 15–29) represents a severe reduction in kidney function and normally requires closer monitoring. This is often when conversations about future treatment options, including dialysis or transplant planning, become more central to care — discussing these ahead of time doesn't mean either is immediately needed.

Stage 5 kidney disease

Stage 5 (eGFR below 15) is often called kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). At this stage, the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste without support, and treatment options include dialysis or kidney transplant. See our kidney failure and dialysis guide for what these options involve.

What determines your stage

Your stage is based mainly on eGFR, alongside evidence of kidney damage such as protein in the urine (measured via a urine ACR test). Two people with the same eGFR can have different overall risk depending on their urine protein result, blood pressure, diabetes status, and age.

Curious what your recent creatinine result means in terms of stage? Try our free GFR calculator. Many people also want to understand what the research says about life expectancy by stage — read that guide with the same caution: these are population averages, not a personal prediction.