CONUT Score Calculator
A free, evidence-based tool using albumin, lymphocyte count, and cholesterol to assess your nutritional status.
How to use: Enter your Serum Albumin, Total Lymphocyte Count, and Total Cholesterol values from your recent blood test. Click “Calculate CONUT Score” to see your nutritional status and interpretation instantly.
Calculator
Interpretation
Your CONUT Score indicates — nutritional status.
How is the CONUT Score calculated? (click to expand)
The CONUT Score (Controlling Nutritional Status) is calculated using three laboratory parameters. Each parameter is assigned a score, and the total score ranges from 0 to 12.
| Parameter | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 | Score 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albumin (g/dL) | ≥ 3.5 | — | 3.0 – 3.4 | 2.5 – 2.9 |
| Lymphocytes (cells/mm³) | ≥ 1,600 | 1,200 – 1,599 | 800 – 1,199 | < 800 |
| Cholesterol (mg/dL) | ≥ 180 | 140 – 179 | 100 – 139 | < 100 |
Note: Albumin has a maximum score of 6 (scored as 0, 2, 4, or 6). Lymphocytes and Cholesterol each have a maximum score of 3 (scored as 0, 1, 2, or 3).
Interpretation: 0–1 = Normal • 2–4 = Mild Malnutrition • 5–8 = Moderate Malnutrition • 9–12 = Severe Malnutrition
What is the CONUT Score?
The CONUT Score (Controlling Nutritional Status) is a simple, evidence-based tool that uses routine blood test results to assess your overall nutritional health. Developed in 2005 by Spanish researchers, it helps healthcare providers identify malnutrition—even in its early stages—before visible symptoms appear.
The score ranges from 0 to 12, with lower scores indicating better nutritional status and higher scores signaling varying degrees of malnutrition.
Why Does It Matter?
Malnutrition is often overlooked in clinical settings, yet it affects:
- Recovery from illness or surgery
- Immune system function
- Wound healing
- Overall quality of life
The CONUT Score is valuable because it:
- Uses routine blood work (no additional tests needed)
- Provides an objective, quantitative assessment
- Helps detect early nutritional deficiencies
- Guides timely nutritional intervention
Studies have demonstrated that the CONUT Score is a valid predictor of long-term mortality and hospitalization risk, particularly in hospitalized older adults.
The 3 Blood Parameters
The CONUT Score combines three standard laboratory values. Each parameter reflects a different aspect of your nutritional status:
1. Serum Albumin (g/dL)
Albumin is a protein produced by your liver. It serves as a key indicator of protein status and overall nutrition.
| Level | Score | Interpretation |
| ≥ 3.5 g/dL | 0 | Normal protein status |
| 3.0 – 3.4 g/dL | 2 | Mild depletion |
| 2.5 – 2.9 g/dL | 4 | Moderate depletion |
| < 2.5 g/dL | 6 | Severe depletion |
Normal range: 3.4 – 5.4 g/dL
2. Total Lymphocyte Count (cells/mm³)
Lymphocytes are white blood cells essential for immune function. Low counts often reflect poor nutrition or immune suppression.
| Level | Score | Interpretation |
| ≥ 1,600 cells/mm³ | 0 | Normal immune status |
| 1,200 – 1,599 cells/mm³ | 1 | Mild immune compromise |
| 800 – 1,199 cells/mm³ | 2 | Moderate immune compromise |
| < 800 cells/mm³ | 3 | Severe immune compromise |
Normal range: 1,500 – 4,000 cells/mm³
3. Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
Cholesterol is a lipid that reflects energy reserves and overall metabolic health. Chronically low levels can indicate poor nutritional intake.
| Level | Score | Interpretation |
| ≥ 180 mg/dL | 0 | Normal energy reserves |
| 140 – 179 mg/dL | 1 | Mild depletion |
| 100 – 139 mg/dL | 2 | Moderate depletion |
| < 100 mg/dL | 3 | Severe depletion |
Normal range: 125 – 200 mg/dL
Scoring System
Each parameter is assigned a score based on its value. The total CONUT Score is the sum of all three:
CONUT Score = Albumin Score + Lymphocyte Score + Cholesterol Score
| Parameter | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 | Score 3 | Score 4 | Score 6 |
| Albumin (g/dL) | ≥ 3.5 | — | 3.0 – 3.4 | — | 2.5 – 2.9 | < 2.5 |
| Lymphocytes (cells/mm³) | ≥ 1,600 | 1,200 – 1,599 | 800 – 1,199 | < 800 | — | — |
| Cholesterol (mg/dL) | ≥ 180 | 140 – 179 | 100 – 139 | < 100 | — | — |
Risk Classification Chart
Your total CONUT Score falls into one of four categories:
| Score Range | Nutritional Status | What It Means |
| 0 – 1 | Normal | Adequate nutrition. No significant risk. |
| 2 – 4 | Mild Malnutrition | Slight nutritional deficiency. Early intervention is recommended. |
| 5 – 8 | Moderate Malnutrition | Moderate deficiency. Clinical evaluation and nutritional support are advised. |
| 9 – 12 | Severe Malnutrition | Severe deficiency. Urgent medical evaluation and intensive nutritional intervention are required. |
Important Notes
- The CONUT Score is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test.
- It should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider.
- Results may be affected by certain medical conditions (e.g., liver disease, kidney disease, acute infection).
- Always discuss your results with your doctor for a complete clinical assessment.
References
- Ignacio de Ulíbarri J, González-Madroño A, de Villar NGP, et al. CONUT: a tool for controlling nutritional status. First validation in a hospital population. Nutr Hosp. 2005;20(1):38-45.
- Kuzuya M, et al. Controlling Nutritional Status Score and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a predictor of mortality and hospitalization risk in hospitalized older adults. Nutrition. 2024;131:112627.