Child-Pugh Score Calculator

Calculate the Child-Pugh score to assess the prognosis of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis mortality risk with our interactive tool.

Calculator Inputs

Ascites
Encephalopathy

How to Use This Calculator

The Child-Pugh score calculator is designed for clinicians and care teams to estimate the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease, enabling more informed treatment planning.

Enter the patient’s current bilirubin, albumin, and INR lab values alongside the assessed severity of ascites and encephalopathy. The interface sums the standardized point contributions from each parameter and highlights the resulting class.

This tool provides estimates and is not intended for self-diagnosis. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for individual patient decisions.

Methodology

The calculator follows the fixed Child-Pugh point rubric: each laboratory and clinical input receives 1 to 3 points based on published thresholds, then the points are summed to yield the total score.

  • Bilirubin values are scored from 0.8 to above 2 mg/dL.
  • Albumin is scored from above 3.5 down to below 2.8 g/dL.
  • INR reflects clotting status with 3 tiers spanning under 1.7 to above 2.2.
  • Ascites and encephalopathy are scored with the clinical severity (none/mild/moderate).

Step-by-step Example

Enter the latest bilirubin, albumin, and INR numbers, select the ascites descriptor that matches the exam, and do the same for encephalopathy. The calculator instantly updates the score and class, showing how each component contributes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child-Pugh score used for?

The Child-Pugh score assesses the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease.

How is the Child-Pugh class determined?

The class is determined by the total score: Class A (5-6), Class B (7-9), and Class C (10-15).

What is considered a high Child-Pugh score?

A score higher than 9 indicates severe liver disease (Class C).

Can I use this tool for self-diagnosis?

No, this tool is intended for use by healthcare professionals and should not be used for self-diagnosis.

What should I do if I have concerns about liver disease?

Consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Full original guide (expanded)

Data Source and Methodology

The Child-Pugh score calculations are based on established medical guidelines and data. For further reading, refer to the MDCalc Child-Pugh Score. All calculations are rigorously based on the formulas and data provided by this source.

The Formula Explained

The Child-Pugh score is calculated using the following formula:

\( \text{Score} = \text{Bilirubin} + \text{Albumin} + \text{INR} + \text{Ascites} + \text{Encephalopathy} \)

Glossary of Variables

  • Bilirubin: A measure of liver function.
  • Albumin: A protein made by the liver.
  • INR: A measure of blood clotting.
  • Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
  • Encephalopathy: Brain dysfunction caused by liver disease.

How It Works: A Step-by-step Example

To calculate the Child-Pugh score, enter the patient's bilirubin, albumin, and INR values, and select the severity of ascites and encephalopathy. The tool will compute the score and provide the corresponding class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Child-Pugh score used for?

The Child-Pugh score is used to assess the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease.

How is the Child-Pugh class determined?

The Child-Pugh class is determined by the total score: Class A (5-6), Class B (7-9), and Class C (10-15).

What is considered a high Child-Pugh score?

A score higher than 9 indicates a severe liver disease (Class C).

Can I use this tool for self-diagnosis?

No, this tool is intended for use by healthcare professionals and should not be used for self-diagnosis.

What should I do if I have concerns about liver disease?

Consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Formulas

Child-Pugh score = Bilirubin + Albumin + INR + Ascites + Encephalopathy

Score = Bilirubin + Albumin + INR + Ascites + Encephalopathy

  • Bilirubin (mg/dL): 1 point ≤ 1.2, 2 points 1.3 - 2.0, 3 points > 2.0
  • Albumin (g/dL): 1 point ≥ 3.5, 2 points 2.8 - 3.4, 3 points < 2.8
  • INR: 1 point < 1.7, 2 points 1.7 - 2.2, 3 points > 2.2
  • Ascites: None = 1, Mild = 2, Moderate = 3
  • Encephalopathy: None = 1, Mild = 2, Moderate = 3
Citations
Changelog
  • 0.1.0-draft — 2026-01-19: Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido Last Updated: 2026-01-19 Version 0.1.0-draft
Version 1.5.0