What Are the Stages of Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure does not happen overnight. It usually develops in stages, especially when caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). These stages help doctors track how well the kidneys are functioning and decide on the best course of action. The system most commonly used is based on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)—a measure of how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood.

There are five stages of kidney function, ranging from mild loss to complete failure:

Stage 1: eGFR 90 or above — Normal kidney function, but there may be signs of damage (like protein in the urine).

Stage 2: eGFR 60–89 — Mild decrease in kidney function. Most people have no symptoms.

Stage 3a: eGFR 45–59 and Stage 3b: eGFR 30–44 — Moderate loss of function. Some people may begin to feel tired or swollen.

Stage 4: eGFR 15–29 — Severe reduction in kidney function. Symptoms become more noticeable.

Stage 5: eGFR below 15 — Also called kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The kidneys can no longer filter waste, and treatment like dialysis or a kidney transplant is usually needed.

The goal of tracking these stages is to slow the disease down and prevent or delay the need for dialysis. Lifestyle changes, blood pressure control, diabetes management, and regular monitoring can make a big difference—especially in the earlier stages.

Symptoms often do not appear until stage 3 or later. That is why regular testing is important if you are at risk, even if you feel fine.

Understanding the stages of kidney failure helps you take the right steps at the right time—and gives you a better chance of protecting your kidney function for as long as possible.

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