Anion Gap Calculator

Calculate anion gap from serum electrolytes with albumin correction for acid-base disorder evaluation

Calculate Anion Gap

Medical Professional Use Only

This calculator is designed for healthcare professionals. Results must be interpreted with clinical context. Not for patient self-diagnosis or treatment decisions.

Primary Electrolytes (Required)

mEq/L

Normal: 135-145 mEq/L

mEq/L

Normal: 95-105 mEq/L

mEq/L

Normal: 22-28 mEq/L

Optional Parameters

Usually omitted due to low concentration

Important for critically ill patients

Anion Gap Results

0.0
mEq/L
Standard Anion Gap

Enter electrolyte values to calculate

Calculation Details

Standard Formula:AG = [Na⁺] - ([Cl⁻] + [HCO₃⁻])
Standard AG:0 - (0 + 0) = 0.0 mEq/L

Reference Ranges

Without Potassium:
Normal: 3-11 mEq/L
With Potassium:
Normal: 5-16 mEq/L

Example Calculation

DKA Patient Example

Laboratory Values:

• Sodium (Na⁺): 140 mEq/L

• Chloride (Cl⁻): 100 mEq/L

• Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): 10 mEq/L

• Albumin: 3.0 g/dL

Calculation

Standard AG = 140 - (100 + 10) = 30 mEq/L

Albumin correction = 30 + 2.5 x (4.4 - 3.0)

Corrected AG = 33.5 mEq/L

High anion gap acidosis

Clinical Significance

AG

Acid-Base Assessment

Essential for evaluating metabolic acidosis

Dx

Differential Diagnosis

Helps identify cause of acidosis

Tx

Treatment Guidance

Guides therapeutic interventions

Quick Reference

High AG (>11 mEq/L)
MUDPILES causes
Normal AG (3-11 mEq/L)
Hyperchloremic acidosis
Low AG (<3 mEq/L)
Hypoalbuminemia

Understanding the Anion Gap

What is the Anion Gap?

The anion gap represents the difference between measured cations and anions in blood serum. It reflects "unmeasured anions" not detected in routine electrolyte panels, helping identify the cause of metabolic acidosis.

Clinical Applications

  • Evaluate metabolic acidosis etiology
  • Monitor critically ill patients
  • Screen for toxic ingestions
  • Assess treatment response

Calculation Methods

Standard Formula

AG = [Na⁺] - ([Cl⁻] + [HCO₃⁻])

Normal range: 3-11 mEq/L

With Potassium

AG = [Na⁺] + [K⁺] - ([Cl⁻] + [HCO₃⁻])

Normal range: 5-16 mEq/L

Albumin Correction

Corrected AG = AG + 2.5 x (4.4 - [Albumin])

Important in hypoalbuminemia

High Anion Gap Acidosis (MUDPILES)

MMethanol poisoning
UUremia
DDiabetic ketoacidosis
PPropylene glycol
IIron/Isoniazid
LLactic acidosis
EEthylene glycol
SSalicylates