Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) — What It Means in Your Urine Test
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This compares protein and a waste product in your urine to give a fair read on kidney filtering.
The Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) weighs one substance against another so dilution does not throw off the picture. By pairing them, it delivers a fairer, steadier read on your body's filtering work.
Also known as: ACR, Urine ACR, Albumin-to-creatinine ratio, UACR, Spot urine ACR
A lower value is generally better, as it means very little protein is leaking into your urine.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-16
What is Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)?
This divides the albumin in a urine sample by its creatinine, a steady muscle by-product. Because creatinine tracks how concentrated the sample is, the ratio corrects for dilution.
Why is Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) tested?
It is checked to gauge your kidney filter. Measuring albumin against creatinine gives a steadier read, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure.
What is a normal Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) range?
- India
- No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison.
- Global
- <30 mg/g
Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
Source: [KDIGO, 2013]
What does your Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) value mean?
There is no widely-accepted set of value bands for this parameter. Compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss it with your doctor.
What does a high Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result mean?
A higher ratio can mean more albumin is passing through your kidney filter. This can go with strain from high blood sugar or blood pressure, and is worth discussing with your doctor.
What does a low Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result mean?
A ratio in the normal range is reassuring. It suggests albumin is not leaking much compared with creatinine in your urine.
What can affect your Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result?
- Time of the sample
- Recent hard exercise
- Illness or fever
- Menstrual blood in the sample
- Low muscle mass
In the Indian context
Indian guidelines advise an ACR check at least once a year if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. A first morning sample is preferred for the most reliable result.
Questions to ask your doctor
About this result
- What does my Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result mean for me specifically, given my age and health?
- For Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), lower is generally considered better — is my result where you would want it to be?
What to do next
- Could anything I eat, do, or take have affected my kidney protein leak ratio result?
- Is there anything I should do about my Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), or is it fine to leave as it is?
About retesting
- Does my Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) need to be repeated, and if so, when?
- The typical range for Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) can vary between labs — should I compare my result against my own lab's printed range?
The bigger picture
- Should my Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) be looked at together with my Urine pH and Urine Specific Gravity result?
- Does my Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) connect to any condition I already have, or to anything I have noticed in how I feel?
Frequently asked questions
- What is Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)?
- This divides the albumin in a urine sample by its creatinine, a steady muscle by-product. Because creatinine tracks how concentrated the sample is, the ratio corrects for dilution. It is checked to gauge your kidney filter. Measuring albumin against creatinine gives a steadier read, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure.
- What is a normal kidney protein leak ratio range?
- A typical adult range is around <30 mg/g. No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison. Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
- What does a high Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result mean?
- A higher ratio can mean more albumin is passing through your kidney filter. This can go with strain from high blood sugar or blood pressure, and is worth discussing with your doctor.
- What does a low Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result mean?
- A ratio in the normal range is reassuring. It suggests albumin is not leaking much compared with creatinine in your urine.
- What can affect your Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) result?
- Several everyday factors can influence it, including Time of the sample, Recent hard exercise, Illness or fever, Menstrual blood in the sample, Low muscle mass.
Sources
- KDIGO (2013) — KDIGO 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
- ADA (2024) — American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes
Part of the Urine (Urinalysis)
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Related reading
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