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Pediatrics Published pediatric dehydration scale Source-mapped clinical scale Higher-risk clinical context

Pediatric Dehydration Score Calculator

Estimate a child Clinical Dehydration Scale score from appearance, eyes, mucous membranes, and tears, with urgent-care warnings.

Use calculator View formula

Interactive tool

Calculator

Enter values carefully. Results appear after calculation and should be interpreted with the safety notes and source method on this page.

Source-mapped clinical scale

Step 1 — Enter inputs

6 fields required for this tool

Step 2 — Review the result

The result area updates below and keeps safety wording visible.

Result

Complete the form and select Calculate.

About this calculator

The Clinical Dehydration Scale is a four-item bedside score used in children, especially in acute gastroenteritis research and triage contexts. It looks at general appearance, eyes, mucous membranes, and tears.

This calculator helps organize observations, but dehydration assessment can be uncertain. Seek medical care when symptoms are severe, persistent, or concerning.

Source-backed
Uses the Clinical Dehydration Scale (CDS): general appearance, eyes, mucous membranes, and tears are each scored 0, 1, or 2, for a total score from 0 to 8. The result is a triage aid, not a diagnosis.
Review status
Source-mapped clinical scale
Limitations
The Clinical Dehydration Scale is an assessment aid, not a complete diagnosis or treatment plan.

Formula and method

CDS total = general appearance score + eyes score + mucous membrane score + tears score. Each item is scored 0, 1, or 2. This implementation labels 0 as no obvious dehydration, 1–4 as some dehydration concern, and 5–8 as higher concern requiring urgent clinical assessment.

Medical safety note: This page is for education only and should not replace professional medical advice. For emergencies, medication decisions, or severe symptoms, contact a qualified clinician or local emergency service.

Limitations and when not to rely on this result

  • The Clinical Dehydration Scale is an assessment aid, not a complete diagnosis or treatment plan.
  • Vital signs, weight change, urine output, history, clinician exam, and labs may change management.
  • Urgent care is needed for severe symptoms, lethargy, shock, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, green vomit, or worsening dehydration.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Clinical Dehydration Scale measure? +

It scores four clinical observations: general appearance, eyes, mucous membranes, and tears.

Can this diagnose dehydration? +

No. It is a structured observation aid. Weight change, vital signs, urine output, history, and clinician assessment may change management.

What score is concerning? +

Higher scores are more concerning. A score of 5–8 or any severe symptom should prompt urgent clinical assessment.

Can a low score still be unsafe? +

Yes. Young infants, repeated vomiting, very low urine, blood in stool, green vomit, severe pain, or a child who looks very ill need medical care even if the score seems low.

Is this the Gorelick score? +

No. This calculator uses the four-item Clinical Dehydration Scale. A future tool may add Gorelick scoring separately.