MELD Score Calculator

MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease. It is a number, capped between 6 and 40, that estimates how severe chronic liver disease is over the next 3 months. A higher MELD score means more advanced disease and, on the transplant waiting list, generally higher priority. This calculator uses MELD 3.0, the version adopted by UNOS in 2023.

MELD 3.0 combines six inputs using natural logarithms: 1.33 if female, plus 4.56 times ln(bilirubin), plus 0.82 times (137 minus sodium), minus 0.24 times (137 minus sodium) times ln(bilirubin), plus 9.09 times ln(INR), plus 11.14 times ln(creatinine), plus 1.85 times (3.5 minus albumin), minus 1.83 times (3.5 minus albumin) times ln(creatinine), plus 6. Each lab is clamped to a defined window first, and the result is rounded and held between 6 and 40.

MELD-Na (used by UNOS from 2016 to 2023) relies on creatinine, bilirubin, INR, and sodium only. MELD 3.0 adds two factors, female sex and serum albumin, along with interaction terms, which improved how accurately the score predicts mortality and reduced a historical disadvantage for women. This tool shows both numbers side by side so you can compare them.

The MELD 3.0 formula applies fixed bounds so that extreme readings do not distort the score. Creatinine is held between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/dL, bilirubin and INR have a floor of 1.0, albumin is held between 1.5 and 3.5 g/dL, and sodium is held between 125 and 137 mmol/L. The result panel shows the bounded values actually used, which is why a very high or very low entry may not change your score.

If a patient had dialysis at least twice in the prior week, or 24 hours of continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), the MELD rules set creatinine to its ceiling of 3.0 mg/dL regardless of the measured value. Checking the dialysis box applies that rule, which raises the score for people whose kidneys are being supported by dialysis.

No. This calculator is for education and general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a transplant listing decision, and it does not replace evaluation by a qualified clinician. Real allocation uses certified lab values within a set time window plus additional policy rules. Always discuss your results and care with your hepatology or transplant team.