MELD Score Calculator

Author: Henrick Yau
- 11 October 2026
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Calculators

Calculate the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease and prioritize patients for liver transplantation. This calculator uses laboratory values to determine a patient's 3-month mortality risk.

Laboratory Values

Normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL (53-106 μmol/L)
Normal: 0.2-1.2 mg/dL (3.4-20.5 μmol/L)
Normal: 0.9-1.1
Normal: 136-145 mEq/L

Patient Information

Affects creatinine calculation
For additional risk assessment
Normal: 3.5-5.0 g/dL (35-50 g/L)

Advanced Options

MELD Score and Liver Disease Assessment

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a scoring system used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease. It was initially developed to predict mortality in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures, but is now primarily used for liver transplant allocation.

MELD Score Formula
  • Original MELD: 3.78 × ln(bilirubin) + 11.2 × ln(INR) + 9.57 × ln(creatinine) + 6.43
  • MELD-Na: MELD + 1.32 × (137 - Na) - [0.033 × MELD × (137 - Na)]
  • Minimum Values: Creatinine ≥ 1.0, Bilirubin ≥ 1.0, INR ≥ 1.0
  • Maximum Creatinine: 4.0 mg/dL (if dialysis ≥2 times/week)
MELD Score Interpretation
  • 6-9: Mild liver disease (1.9% 3-month mortality)
  • 10-19: Moderate liver disease (6.0% 3-month mortality)
  • 20-29: Severe liver disease (19.6% 3-month mortality)
  • 30-39: Very severe liver disease (52.6% 3-month mortality)
  • ≥40: Extremely severe liver disease (71.3% 3-month mortality)
Child-Pugh Classification
  • Class A (5-6 points): Well-compensated disease (1-year survival ~100%)
  • Class B (7-9 points): Significant functional compromise (1-year survival ~80%)
  • Class C (10-15 points): Decompensated disease (1-year survival ~45%)
  • Assessed factors: Bilirubin, Albumin, INR, Ascites, Encephalopathy
Clinical Applications
  • Transplant Allocation: Higher MELD scores receive priority for liver transplantation
  • Prognosis: Predicts short-term mortality in liver disease patients
  • Treatment Planning: Guides timing of transplant evaluation and listing
  • Research: Standardized measure for clinical trials and outcomes research
Limitations and Considerations
  • Laboratory Variations: Different lab methods may affect results
  • Special Populations: May underestimate risk in certain conditions (HCC, etc.)
  • Dynamic Nature: Scores can change rapidly with clinical status
  • Not for Acute Liver Failure: Designed for chronic liver disease

Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace clinical judgment. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers. Laboratory values should be confirmed and clinical context considered when interpreting results.

What the MELD Score Calculator does

The MELD Score Calculator is a clinical tool used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease. It provides an estimate of a patient's risk of death within three months, helping to guide decisions about liver transplant eligibility and urgency. MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and is widely used in hospitals and transplant centres worldwide.

How Is the MELD Score Calculated?

The calculator uses common laboratory values such as serum creatinine, total bilirubin, INR (International Normalised Ratio), and sodium levels. For some patients, dialysis history is also taken into account. These values are entered into the MELD formula, which produces a score ranging from 6 to 40.

Original MELD Formula:
MELD = 3.78 × ln(bilirubin) + 11.2 × ln(INR) + 9.57 × ln(creatinine) + 6.43
MELD-Na (Sodium-adjusted MELD):
MELD-Na = MELD + 1.32 × (137 - Na) − 0.033 × MELD × (137 − Na)

Why Is the MELD Score Important?

The MELD score helps to prioritise liver transplant recipients based on medical urgency. Higher scores reflect more severe liver dysfunction and a greater short-term mortality risk. It also provides insight into a patient's prognosis and assists in treatment planning.

Entering lab results and patient details

  1. Enter the patient’s laboratory results:
    • Creatinine: Measures kidney function.
    • Bilirubin: Indicates the liver’s ability to clear waste.
    • INR: Reflects blood clotting ability.
    • Sodium: Optional but useful for MELD-Na calculation.
  2. Indicate dialysis history and select the primary liver disease.
  3. (Optional) Add age and albumin level for a broader assessment.
  4. Select calculation options such as MELD-Na or Child-Pugh classification.
  5. Click “Calculate MELD Score” to view results.

Interpreting your MELD score and mortality risk

  • MELD Score: Indicates severity of liver disease (scale: 6–40).
  • MELD-Na: A refined score including sodium levels, useful for transplant prioritisation.
  • 3-Month Mortality Risk: An estimate of survival likelihood based on score and age.
  • Child-Pugh Class: Optional classification system evaluating liver function.
  • Transplant Priority: Suggests urgency and estimated wait times for liver transplant.

Who benefits from this liver disease tool

This tool is useful for:

  • Clinicians managing patients with chronic liver disease.
  • Patients who want to understand their liver disease severity.
  • Carers supporting loved ones through transplant evaluation.
  • Medical students and researchers studying liver disease metrics.

Related Tools and Topics

  • Child-Pugh Calculator: Complements the MELD score for liver disease assessment.
  • GFR Calculator: Estimates kidney function—important when considering creatinine values.
  • Corrected Calcium Calculator: Useful in assessing biochemical imbalances in liver disease.
  • BAC Calculator: Not directly related but helpful for understanding alcohol’s impact on liver health.

Questions about MELD scoring and transplant priority

What’s a normal MELD score?

Most healthy individuals would have MELD scores below 6. In liver disease, scores between 6 and 9 suggest mild disease, while scores over 30 indicate very severe illness.

How often should MELD be recalculated?

It depends on the patient’s condition. In stable patients, every few months may suffice. In advanced cases, weekly monitoring is often needed.

Does MELD consider alcohol use?

Not directly. However, alcoholic liver disease as a diagnosis may influence transplant eligibility and management recommendations. Tools like the Sobriety Calculator can help track time since last drink.

Is the Child-Pugh score better than MELD?

They assess different aspects. MELD is more objective and transplant-focused, while Child-Pugh includes clinical signs and may be better for overall liver function classification.

Important Notes

  • The MELD score does not apply to acute liver failure.
  • It should not replace a complete clinical assessment.
  • All inputs should be based on verified laboratory values.
  • This calculator is an educational aid and not a substitute for medical advice.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational use only. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance.