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Learn about MELD

How the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease is calculated and used

The MELD calculation uses the following inputs:

  • Serum creatinine (mg/dL) (The default creatinine value is set to 3 mg/dL if the candidate either has had dialysis twice within the last week, or has been on 24 hours of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis within the past week.)
  • Bilirubin (mg/dL)
  • INR
  • Serum sodium (mEq/L)
  • Albumin (g/dL)
  • Candidate age at listing
  • Sex for purposes of adult MELD calculation (only if candidate’s age at registration is 18 years or older)

User guide for MELD and PELD calculators

MELD calculator


The MELD calculator is used for candidates 12 and older. The PELD calculator is used for candidates up to 12 years old.

View the PELD calculator.