MELD Score Calculator

Author: Henrick Yau
- 30 September 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 Does the MELD Score Measure?

The MELD Score Calculator is a clinical instrument used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease. It offers an estimate of a patient's likelihood of mortality within three months, assisting in decisions regarding liver transplant candidacy and urgency. MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and is commonly employed in hospitals and transplant centres globally.

How Is the MELD Score Calculated?

The calculator utilises standard laboratory parameters such as serum creatinine, total bilirubin, INR (International Normalized Ratio), and sodium levels. For certain patients, dialysis history is also incorporated. These values are applied to the MELD formula, yielding a score that ranges 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 assists in prioritising liver transplant recipients based on medical need. Higher scores indicate more advanced liver dysfunction and a greater short-term mortality risk. It also provides valuable insight into a patient's prognosis and supports treatment planning.

Entering Lab Results for MELD Calculation

  1. Enter the patient’s laboratory results:
    • Creatinine: Assesses kidney function.
    • Bilirubin: Reflects the liver’s ability to process waste.
    • INR: Indicates blood clotting capacity.
    • Sodium: Optional but helpful for MELD-Na calculation.
  2. Indicate dialysis history and choose the primary liver disease.
  3. (Optional) Add age and albumin level for a more comprehensive evaluation.
  4. Select calculation options such as MELD-Na or Child-Pugh classification.
  5. Click “Calculate MELD Score” to see the results.

Interpreting Your MELD Score and Risk

  • MELD Score: Reflects the severity of liver disease (scale: 6–40).
  • MELD-Na: A more refined score that includes sodium levels, useful for transplant prioritisation.
  • 3-Month Mortality Risk: An estimate of survival probability based on score and age.
  • Child-Pugh Class: An optional classification system that evaluates liver function.
  • Transplant Priority: Suggests urgency and estimated waiting times for a liver transplant.

Who Should Use This Liver Disease Tool?

This tool is beneficial for:

  • Clinicians managing patients with chronic liver disease.
  • Patients seeking to understand the severity of their liver condition.
  • Caregivers supporting family members through transplant assessment.
  • Medical students and researchers studying liver disease metrics.

Related Tools and Topics

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

Common Questions About MELD Scoring

What’s a normal MELD score?

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

How often should MELD be recalculated?

This depends on the patient’s condition. For stable patients, recalculating every few months may be sufficient. In advanced cases, weekly monitoring is often necessary.

Does MELD consider alcohol use?

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

Is the Child-Pugh score better than MELD?

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

Limitations and Medical Disclaimer

  • The MELD score is not applicable to acute liver failure.
  • It should not replace a full clinical evaluation.
  • All inputs should be based on verified laboratory results.
  • This calculator is an educational tool and not a substitute for medical advice.

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