Normal Creatinine Levels & Clearance Reference — Calculator
Look up normal serum creatinine and clearance levels by sex and age. Identify what your lab results mean. Free calculator.
Normal Creatinine Levels Reference Guide
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism filtered by the kidneys. Both serum creatinine and creatinine clearance are used to assess kidney function.
Normal Serum Creatinine Levels
| Group | Normal Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Adult Male | 0.74–1.35 |
| Adult Female | 0.59–1.04 |
| Adolescent (13–18) | 0.52–1.04 |
| Child (6–12) | 0.37–0.74 |
| Infant (1–5) | 0.20–0.44 |
Normal Creatinine Clearance
| Group | Normal CrCl (mL/min) |
|---|---|
| Adult Male | 85–125 |
| Adult Female | 75–115 |
| Elderly (70+) | 45–85 |
Factors That Affect Creatinine Levels
- Muscle mass: Higher muscle mass → higher creatinine production
- Diet: High meat intake can temporarily elevate serum creatinine
- Hydration: Dehydration concentrates creatinine in the blood
- Medications: NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and certain antibiotics can affect readings
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if creatinine clearance is low?
A low CrCl indicates the kidneys are not filtering waste efficiently. This may signal chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or another underlying condition. Your doctor will use CrCl results alongside other tests to diagnose and manage kidney health.
Can high protein intake raise creatinine levels?
Yes. Eating large amounts of cooked meat increases creatinine production temporarily. A single high-protein meal can raise serum creatinine by 0.1–0.3 mg/dL. Consistent high-protein diets may cause sustained mild elevation without indicating kidney disease.