Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio (UPCR)

Estimate 24-hour proteinuria from a spot urine sample using the protein-to-creatinine ratio.

For educational and clinical reference. Not a substitute for medical judgment. See the medical disclaimer.
UPCR
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References

  1. Ginsberg JM, Chang BS, Matarese RA, Garella S. Use of single voided urine samples to estimate quantitative proteinuria. N Engl J Med. 1983;309(25):1543-1546.
  2. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of CKD. Kidney Int. 2024;105(4S):S117-S314.

How to use

  1. Enter urine protein and urine creatinine (both mg/dL).
  2. UPCR and proteinuria category update instantly.
  3. Result approximates 24-hour proteinuria in g/day.

Frequently asked questions

What is UPCR used for?

A random ("spot") urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) estimates 24-hour proteinuria without requiring a timed urine collection.

How is UPCR interpreted?

UPCR < 0.15 g/g is normal; 0.15–0.5 g/g is mild proteinuria; 0.5–3.5 g/g is moderate; > 3.5 g/g is nephrotic-range proteinuria.

What are the units?

When protein and creatinine are both expressed in mg/dL, the ratio is dimensionless (mg/mg ≈ g/g) and roughly estimates 24-hour proteinuria in g/day.

Is UPCR as accurate as a 24-hour urine?

UPCR correlates well with 24-hour proteinuria but is less accurate at high values and in patients with very low or very high muscle mass.

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