The MELD score, which stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, is a numerical scale developed to assess the severity and urgency of chronic liver disease. Originally introduced to predict survival in patients undergoing a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, it has become a standard tool in evaluating patients for liver transplantation. The MELD score is based on three key laboratory values:
Using these values, a mathematical formula generates a score that ranges from 6 (less severe) to 40 (most severe), with higher scores indicating a higher risk of mortality. The MELD score is updated regularly based on new lab results to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
The primary goal of the MELD score is to objectively evaluate how sick a person with liver disease is and to help allocate donor livers fairly among patients on the transplant waiting list. By relying on lab values rather than subjective assessments, the MELD system helps ensure a transparent and standardized process across transplant centers.
In addition to transplant prioritization, the MELD score provides valuable insight for healthcare providers in managing liver disease. It can guide decisions about hospitalization, treatment planning, and monitoring disease progression. The score is also useful in research and clinical trials involving liver disease.
Using the MELD Score Calculator is simple and user-friendly. It's designed to help you estimate the severity of liver disease using your lab test results. Follow the steps below to calculate your score accurately.
Different labs may report Bilirubin and Creatinine using various units. It’s important to select the unit that matches your lab report to ensure accurate calculation:
The calculator automatically adjusts the values to standard units behind the scenes so you don’t need to worry about doing conversions.
The checkbox “Dialyzed at least twice in the last 7 days” should be selected if:
Checking this box tells the calculator to use a default value for creatinine that reflects the impact of dialysis on kidney function, ensuring your MELD score reflects your true health condition more accurately.
The MELD score is calculated using a specific mathematical formula that combines your laboratory results to estimate the severity of liver disease. While the formula may look complex, understanding how it works can help you feel more confident in interpreting your results.
The MELD score uses three main lab values:
These values are placed into the following formula:
MELD Score = 3.78 × ln(bilirubin) + 11.2 × ln(INR) + 9.57 × ln(creatinine) + 6.43
The “ln” means the natural logarithm of the number. This is a type of mathematical function used to better reflect how small or large changes in lab values can affect health outcomes.
If the patient has been on dialysis at least twice in the past 7 days, the creatinine value is set to 4.0 to account for severe kidney impairment.
When you use the calculator:
Once you've calculated your MELD score, it's important to understand what the number means and how it reflects your current liver health. The MELD score is used to estimate the risk of death within 90 days in people with end-stage liver disease. The higher the score, the more serious the condition.
The MELD score helps doctors evaluate the urgency for a liver transplant and predict short-term survival. It is not a diagnosis, but rather a tool used to prioritize care. Here's how to interpret your result:
| MELD Score Range | Severity of Liver Disease | Estimated 90-Day Mortality Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 6–10 | Mild | Less than 2% |
| 11–20 | Moderate | 6% to 20% |
| 21–30 | Severe | 19% to 76% |
| 31–40 | Very Severe / Life-Threatening | 52% to 100% |
While the MELD score is a valuable tool for assessing liver disease severity and prioritizing patients for liver transplantation, it has some limitations and may not always provide a complete picture of a patient’s health. Understanding these limitations helps ensure more accurate interpretation and better communication with your healthcare provider.
There are certain situations where the MELD score might not fully reflect a patient’s actual condition. These include:
Certain medical conditions or factors can influence the accuracy or reliability of the MELD score:
Because of these factors, the MELD score should be interpreted as part of a larger medical evaluation. Your doctor will consider your full medical history, symptoms, and other tests to decide the best treatment path for you.
A "normal" MELD score doesn’t truly exist, as it’s only used for people with liver disease. However, scores typically start at 6 (the lowest possible) and can go up to 40. A lower score suggests less severe liver disease and a lower risk of short-term complications.
Your doctor may request regular MELD score updates every few weeks or months depending on your condition. For transplant candidates, the frequency of updates may increase as the disease progresses.
Yes. Since the score depends on lab values that may fluctuate, your MELD score can go up or down based on changes in your INR, bilirubin, or creatinine levels, or if you begin dialysis.
A high MELD score indicates more severe liver disease and a higher urgency for treatment or transplantation. If you receive a high score, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss next steps.
No. The MELD score is calculated solely from lab results and does not include symptoms or how you feel physically. However, doctors use both the MELD score and symptoms to assess your condition.
Share your result with your doctor. The MELD score is a guide, not a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can help interpret the score and plan appropriate treatment based on your full health picture.
No. While the calculator is a helpful tool, it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
The MELD Score Calculator provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concern you may have.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the calculator and its supporting content, we do not guarantee or warrant its completeness or reliability. Clinical decisions should never be based solely on automated tools or online calculators.
Use of this calculator does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. By using this tool, you agree that the developers, publishers, and providers of this calculator are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from its use.