Ranson’s Criteria Calculator (Acute Pancreatitis)
Ranson’s criteria estimate the severity and mortality of acute (non-gallstone) pancreatitis from eleven parameters — five measured at admission and six over the next 48 hours. Each positive criterion scores one point; three or more indicate severe pancreatitis.
Quick answer
Ranson’s criteria score acute (non-gallstone) pancreatitis using five values at admission (age over 55, WBC over 16,000, glucose over 200 mg/dL, AST over 250, LDH over 350) and six over 48 hours (haematocrit fall over 10%, BUN rise over 5 mg/dL, calcium under 8 mg/dL, PaO₂ under 60 mmHg, base deficit over 4, fluid sequestration over 6 L). Three or more positive criteria indicate severe pancreatitis.
At admission (non-gallstone)
At 48 hours
Mild (0–2 criteria) · mortality ≈0–3%
The Ranson score is 0/11: mild (0–2 criteria). Three or more criteria indicate severe acute pancreatitis. In the original series the associated mortality for this band was about ≈0–3%.
These are the original non-gallstone thresholds; a modified set exists for biliary pancreatitis. The full score needs data at admission and again at 48 hours. It is a reference estimate interpreted by a clinician, not a diagnosis.
How to use the Ranson calculator
- 1Tick the admission criteria. Tick the admission criteria that are met: age over 55, WBC over 16,000/µL, glucose over 200 mg/dL, AST over 250 IU/L, and LDH over 350 IU/L.
- 2Tick the 48-hour criteria. Tick the 48-hour criteria that are met: haematocrit fall over 10%, BUN rise over 5 mg/dL, serum calcium under 8 mg/dL, PaO₂ under 60 mmHg, base deficit over 4 mEq/L, and fluid sequestration over 6 L.
- 3Read the score and band. The tool totals the points (0–11) and shows the severity band and the original mortality estimate for that range — to interpret with a clinician.
Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What Ranson score means severe pancreatitis?⌄
Three or more positive Ranson criteria indicate severe acute pancreatitis. In the original series, mortality was roughly 0–3% for 0–2 criteria, about 15% for 3–4, about 40% for 5–6, and approached 100% for 7–11.
Why does Ranson’s score need 48 hours?⌄
Five criteria are measured at admission and six more develop over the next 48 hours, so the full score cannot be completed until 48 hours after presentation — a recognised limitation compared with bedside scores like BISAP that can be calculated within 24 hours.
Is this the gallstone or non-gallstone version?⌄
This calculator uses the original non-gallstone (alcoholic) thresholds. A modified set of cut-offs exists for gallstone (biliary) pancreatitis; use the version that matches the cause, as some thresholds differ.
Is my data stored?⌄
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published Ranson score, validated for severity / mortality estimation in acute non-gallstone pancreatitis (≥3 criteria = severe).
- Ranson JHC, Rifkind KM, Roses DF, et al. Prognostic signs and the role of operative management in acute pancreatitis (Surg Gynecol Obstet 1974;139:69-81) — the original 11 criteria (non-gallstone set) — verified 2026-06-18
- Ranson’s criteria overview, StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) — admission and 48-hour thresholds and the 0–2 / 3–4 / 5–6 / 7–11 mortality bands — verified 2026-06-18
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