Because creatinine is excreted at a fairly steady rate, the ratio of protein to creatinine in a single urine sample approximates daily protein excretion, avoiding a 24-hour collection. It is used to diagnose and monitor kidney disease and pre-eclampsia (≥ 0.3 g/g).
How to use the Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio Calculator
- Urine protein
- Urine creatinine
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter urine protein and creatinine from the same sample.
Tips
- Use a creatinine value measured when you were well and stable.
- Check whether the lab reports creatinine in mg/dL or µmol/L.
- Drink to thirst and follow your clinician’s fluid advice if you have kidney disease.
- Repeat abnormal urine tests – exercise and infection can raise them temporarily.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using eGFR during acute kidney injury, when creatinine is changing quickly.
- Mixing up urine and blood values.
- Ignoring muscle mass, which affects creatinine-based estimates.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Urine protein | Units: mg/dL, g/L |
| Urine creatinine | Units: mg/dL, mmol/L |
What each result means
- UPCR = [Urine protein]÷[Urine creatinine]
- Estimated protein loss = [UPCR]
- UPCR in mg/mmol = [UPCR]×1000÷8.84
Example values
How the main result changes when Urine protein changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Urine protein (mg/dL) | UPCR (g/g) |
|---|---|
| 15 | 0.15 |
| 22.5 | 0.23 |
| 30 | 0.3 |
| 37.5 | 0.38 |
| 45 | 0.45 |
| 60 | 0.6 |
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
UPCR (g/g) = urine protein (mg/dL) ÷ urine creatinine (mg/dL)Estimated protein loss (g/day) ≈ UPCR (g/g)Nephrotic range ≥ 3.5 g/dayWorked example
Inputs — Urine protein: 30 mg/dL; Urine creatinine: 100 mg/dL.
Results — UPCR = 0.3 g/g; Estimated protein loss = 0.3 g/day; UPCR in mg/mmol = 34 mg/mmol; Pre-eclampsia threshold (0.3 g/g) = At or above.
Key terms
- Proteinuria
- Excess protein in the urine.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal UPCR?
Below 0.15 g/g (15 mg/mmol).
What is nephrotic-range proteinuria?
3.5 g/day or more.
Is UPCR as good as a 24-hour urine?
It correlates well in most people, though less so at extremes of muscle mass.
What formula does the Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio Calculator use?
UPCR (g/g) = urine protein (mg/dL) ÷ urine creatinine (mg/dL).