Health note: This page is general education, not diagnosis or treatment advice. Do not change medicines, supplements, fluid targets, or a prescribed diet based on this page alone.
CKD is commonly grouped by eGFR into G1 through G5, with stage 3 split into 3a and 3b. The National Kidney Foundation lists eGFR ranges of 90+ for stage 1, 60–89 for stage 2, 45–59 for stage 3a, 30–44 for stage 3b, 15–29 for stage 4, and below 15 for stage 5. Stages 1 and 2 require evidence of kidney damage rather than eGFR alone.
Why stage matters
Stage helps communicate kidney function, but it does not tell the whole story. Urine albumin, the cause of CKD, trends over time and other conditions help shape risk and management.
Stage 3 deserves special attention
Stage 3 covers a wide range, which is why it is divided into stage 3 CKD and more specifically stage 3a versus 3b.