Quick answer: An eGFR of 75 does not, by itself, diagnose chronic kidney disease. It falls in the 60–89 range, sometimes called the G2 category. To call it chronic kidney disease, a clinician also looks for evidence of kidney damage that persists for at least three months, such as raised urine albumin, or other relevant findings. Your age, previous results and overall health add context.
It can be unsettling to see “75” beside a kidney test when a chart shows “90+” as normal. Does it mean your kidneys are functioning at only 75 percent? The eGFR is an estimated filtration rate, reported in mL/min/1.73 m², not a direct percentage of kidney function.
Anthony Ofori | Medical Graduate in General Medicine | Founder, WellNest Central
Last updated: 2 October 2026
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What does eGFR measure?
Glomerular filtration rate describes how well the kidneys filter blood. In everyday testing, the result is usually estimated from a blood creatinine measurement rather than measured directly. The National Kidney Foundation’s eGFR guide explains that creatinine can be influenced by muscle size, diet and other conditions. An eGFR result is useful, but it has uncertainty, especially when deciding what one isolated number means.
Read the unit printed on your report: mL/min/1.73 m². An eGFR of 75 is a rate estimate adjusted to a standard body surface area. It is not a statement that exactly one quarter of your kidneys has been lost.
Is 75 “stage 2 kidney disease”?
Only if there is evidence of kidney damage lasting at least three months. The National Kidney Foundation’s G2 guide places eGFR 60–89 in category G2, but says that this range alone does not meet the criteria for chronic kidney disease. Ongoing albumin in urine is a common marker of kidney damage. Other evidence can come from urine findings, imaging or an established kidney condition.
“G2” describes a filtration category; it does not automatically give someone a disease diagnosis. That distinction matters when a report or an online calculator labels 60–89 “stage 2” without asking about the urine test or previous results.
What if urine albumin is normal?
A low urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) is reassuring, especially if there are no other signs of kidney damage. It does not replace a review of the whole situation. A clinician may consider blood in urine, structural findings, family history, blood pressure, diabetes risk and the trend in eGFR. The NIDDK kidney testing guide describes the blood filtration test and urine albumin test as two core pieces of the assessment.
If your urine albumin is high on one sample, that result also needs confirmation. Our article on high urine albumin on one test explains how the repeat test is planned.
Does age change how you read an eGFR of 75?
Yes, age is part of the context. Average eGFR tends to decline with age even in adults without kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. A 75 in an older adult with stable past results and no urine abnormalities may carry a different meaning from a new 75 in a younger adult whose previous values were much higher.
Age does not make a rapid fall harmless, and a person of any age can have kidney disease with an eGFR above 60 if other markers are present. Compare the result with your own earlier tests rather than treating another person’s number as your target.
Why might two eGFR results differ?
eGFR is calculated from creatinine, so changes in creatinine can shift the estimate. Recent diet, exercise, muscle mass, illness and some medicines or supplements can affect interpretation. Differences in test conditions and ordinary measurement variation also matter. A clinician may repeat the test, review the full blood panel and, when useful, consider a cystatin C-based estimate to clarify an uncertain result. Do not stop prescribed medicines because of one eGFR result without advice.
Our guide to creatinine versus eGFR explains why the numbers are connected but answer slightly different questions.
What should you ask after seeing 75?
- How does this compare with my previous eGFR and creatinine results?
- Do I have a recent uACR or other urine test, and was it normal?
- Are there any other signs of kidney damage or relevant risk factors?
- Could recent illness, medicines, supplements, diet or activity affect the estimate?
- When should the blood and urine tests be repeated?
If the number has dropped substantially from your baseline, the urine test is abnormal, or you have new swelling, blood in urine or major changes in urination, arrange a timely review. Seek urgent help for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing or very little urine. The pace of change and the wider clinical picture determine urgency.
The takeaway
An eGFR of 75 is a starting point for interpretation, not a diagnosis by itself. Look at urine albumin, any other evidence of kidney damage, previous results and your health history with your clinician. To organise your questions and practical health goals before the visit, connect with WellNest Central.
This article provides general health education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or emergency care.
