# Child–Pugh Score Calculator (Cirrhosis Severity)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/child-pugh/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Child–Pugh calculator grades cirrhosis severity from bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy into class A, B or C, with the typical one- and two-year survival.

## Inputs

- Total bilirubin
- Albumin
- INR
- Ascites
- Hepatic encephalopathy

## Results

- Child–Pugh score
- Class and survival

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

The Child–Pugh score has been used since the 1970s to assess the prognosis of chronic liver disease and to guide drug dosing and surgical risk. Class A (5–6 points) is well-compensated, B (7–9) significant impairment and C (10–15) decompensated disease.

### How to use the Child–Pugh Score Calculator

- **Total bilirubin**
- **Albumin**
- **INR**
- **Ascites**
- **Hepatic encephalopathy**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.

### Scoring table

ItemAnswers and pointsTotal bilirubinBelow 2 mg/dL (34 µmol/L) = 1; 2–3 mg/dL (34–50 µmol/L) = 2; Above 3 mg/dL (50 µmol/L) = 3AlbuminAbove 3.5 g/dL (35 g/L) = 1; 2.8–3.5 g/dL = 2; Below 2.8 g/dL = 3INRBelow 1.7 = 1; 1.7–2.3 = 2; Above 2.3 = 3AscitesNone = 1; Slight (controlled with diuretics) = 2; Moderate to severe (refractory) = 3Hepatic encephalopathyNone = 1; Grade 1–2 (or suppressed with medication) = 2; Grade 3–4 (or refractory) = 3

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTotal bilirubinChoose one: Below 2 mg/dL (34 µmol/L), 2–3 mg/dL (34–50 µmol/L), Above 3 mg/dL (50 µmol/L)AlbuminChoose one: Above 3.5 g/dL (35 g/L), 2.8–3.5 g/dL, Below 2.8 g/dLINRChoose one: Below 1.7, 1.7–2.3, Above 2.3AscitesChoose one: None, Slight (controlled with diuretics), Moderate to severe (refractory)Hepatic encephalopathyChoose one: None, Grade 1–2 (or suppressed with medication), Grade 3–4 (or refractory)
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Total bilirubin: Below 2 mg/dL (34 µmol/L); Albumin: 2.8–3.5 g/dL; INR: Below 1.7; Ascites: None; Hepatic encephalopathy: None.

Results — **Child–Pugh score = 6 / 15**; Class and survival = Class A – 1-year survival about 100%, 2-year 85%.

## Key terms

- **Hepatic encephalopathy**: Brain dysfunction caused by liver failure.

## FAQ

**What is Child–Pugh class A?**
5–6 points: well-compensated cirrhosis.

**How is Child–Pugh different from MELD?**
MELD is purely lab-based and used for transplant priority; Child–Pugh includes clinical signs.

**Is Child–Pugh used for drug dosing?**
Yes – many drug labels give dose adjustments by Child–Pugh class.


## Sources

- [Pugh RN et al. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Br J Surg, 1973](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4541913/)