Ranson Criteria Calculator

The Ranson criteria are an 11-point clinical score that estimates the severity of acute pancreatitis and the associated mortality risk. They were published by John Ranson and colleagues in 1974 and remain a widely taught bedside tool. Five criteria are checked when the patient arrives and six more are checked over the first 48 hours, with each abnormal value adding 1 point. A higher total signals a more severe course and a higher predicted death rate.

Each criterion that crosses its threshold adds 1 point, and the total is the sum of all points met (an integer from 0 to 11). At admission you score age over 55 years, white blood cells over 16,000 cells/mm³, glucose over 200 mg/dL, AST over 250 IU/L, and LDH over 350 IU/L. Within 48 hours you score calcium under 8 mg/dL, a hematocrit fall over 10 percentage points, PaO2 under 60 mmHg, a BUN rise over 5 mg/dL after fluids, a base deficit over 4 mEq/L, and fluid sequestration over 6 liters. This calculator uses the original (non-gallstone) criteria; gallstone pancreatitis has a modified set with slightly different cutoffs.

Using Ranson's original cohorts, a total of 0 to 2 carries an approximate mortality near 2%, 3 to 4 near 15%, 5 to 6 near 40%, and 7 to 11 near 100%. A score of 3 or more is the conventional cutoff for predicted severe acute pancreatitis and often prompts closer monitoring or intensive care. These percentages describe groups of patients, not the outcome for any single person.

The score was designed to capture how the illness evolves, not just the snapshot on arrival. The five admission criteria reflect the initial inflammatory and metabolic hit, while the six 48-hour criteria track fluid loss, falling calcium, worsening oxygenation, rising BUN, and acid-base changes that develop as the disease progresses. Because of this, the full Ranson score can only be completed once the first 48 hours of data are available.

Enter white blood cells as the full count in cells/mm³ (type 16000, not 16), glucose, calcium, and BUN rise in mg/dL, AST and LDH in IU/L, PaO2 in mmHg, base deficit in mEq/L, and fluid sequestration in liters. The hematocrit fall is entered as percentage points, calculated as the admission value minus the 48-hour value, and the BUN rise is the 48-hour value minus the admission value after fluid resuscitation. If a hematocrit rises or a BUN falls, enter a negative number and that criterion will simply score 0.

No. This calculator is for education and quick reference only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Ranson score describes risk across groups of patients and does not predict the outcome for any single person. Always interpret it alongside the full clinical picture, trends over time, and the judgment of a qualified clinician.