CURB-65 was derived by the British Thoracic Society in 2003. It is simple to use in the emergency department: patients scoring 0–1 can usually be treated at home, 2 need hospital review and 3 or more have severe pneumonia.
How to use the CURB-65 Calculator
- Confusion (new disorientation)
- Urea > 7 mmol/L (BUN > 19 mg/dL)
- Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min
- Systolic BP < 90 or diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg
- Age 65 or over
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
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| Confusion (new disorientation) | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Urea > 7 mmol/L (BUN > 19 mg/dL) | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Systolic BP < 90 or diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Age 65 or over | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Confusion (new disorientation) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Urea > 7 mmol/L (BUN > 19 mg/dL) | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Systolic BP < 90 or diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Age 65 or over | Choose one: No, Yes |
What each result means
- CURB-65 score = [Confusion (new disorientation)] + [Urea > 7 mmol÷L (BUN > 19 mg÷dL)] + [Respiratory rate ≥ 30÷min] + [Systolic BP < 90 or diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg] + [Age 65 or over]
- 30-day mortality = interp([CURB-65 score], 0, 1, 0.7, 3.2, 13, 17, 41.5, 57)
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.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — Confusion (new disorientation): No; Urea > 7 mmol/L (BUN > 19 mg/dL): No; Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min: No; Systolic BP < 90 or diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg: No; Age 65 or over: Yes.
Results — CURB-65 score = 1 / 5; 30-day mortality = 3.2 %; Suggested management = Low risk – consider home treatment.
Key terms
- CAP
- Community-acquired pneumonia.
Frequently asked questions
What CURB-65 score needs hospital?
2 or more usually, and 3 or more is severe.
What is CRB-65?
A version without urea for use in the community.
Is CURB-65 used in children?
No – it is for adults.