Ranson Criteria Calculator

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham. Ranson criteria point score for acute pancreatitis (non-gallstone). Last verified 19 June 2026.

The Ranson criteria estimate the severity and mortality risk of acute pancreatitis. Five criteria are assessed at admission and a further six at 48 hours. This calculator uses the original criteria for non-gallstone (for example alcohol-related) pancreatitis. It totals the criteria you mark as present; interpretation of severity and any treatment are clinical decisions.

On admission: age over 55 years

On admission: white cell count over 16,000 per mcL

On admission: glucose over 200 mg/dL

On admission: AST over 250 U/L

On admission: LDH over 350 U/L

At 48 hours: hematocrit fall over 10 percentage points

At 48 hours: BUN rise over 5 mg/dL

At 48 hours: calcium under 8 mg/dL

At 48 hours: arterial PO2 under 60 mmHg

At 48 hours: base deficit over 4 mEq/L

At 48 hours: fluid sequestration over 6 L

Ranson score (0 to 11)

0.00

Ranson criteria (non-gallstone)

On admission: age > 55, WBC > 16,000/mcL, glucose > 200 mg/dL, AST > 250 U/L, LDH > 350 U/L
At 48 hours: hematocrit fall > 10%, BUN rise > 5 mg/dL, calcium < 8 mg/dL, PO2 < 60 mmHg, base deficit > 4 mEq/L, fluid sequestration > 6 L
Score = number of criteria met (range 0 to 11)

Each criterion that is met adds one point. The non-gallstone (original) thresholds are shown; gallstone pancreatitis uses slightly different cut-offs. Higher totals are associated with higher mortality.

Worked example

A patient over 55 with white cell count 18,000/mcL, glucose 220 mg/dL on admission, and at 48 hours a BUN rise of 7 mg/dL and calcium of 7.5 mg/dL meets 5 criteria, for a score of 5. Mortality rises markedly as more criteria are met, but the figure is interpreted clinically.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Ranson score predict?

More criteria met is associated with higher mortality in acute pancreatitis. Broadly, scores of 0 to 2 carry low mortality and scores of 3 or more rising mortality, but exact figures depend on the population and are interpreted by a clinician.

Why are some criteria measured at 48 hours?

Several markers, such as hematocrit fall, BUN rise, and calcium, change over the first two days of illness. The score deliberately reassesses at 48 hours, which means the full score is not available on admission.

Does this use gallstone or non-gallstone thresholds?

This calculator uses the original non-gallstone thresholds. Gallstone pancreatitis uses modified cut-offs for some criteria, so use a gallstone-specific tool for that aetiology.

Is this a substitute for clinical scoring systems in use?

No. Many units use other scores such as APACHE II or BISAP. This tool reproduces the Ranson criteria for education and does not direct management.

Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine, StatPearls: Ranson Criteria.
U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Pancreatitis.

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 19 June 2026. Educational tool, not medical advice. See our methodology.