Anion Gap vs Albumin Globulin Ratio
Both calculators turn a small set of blood chemistry values into a single ratio that clinicians use as a clue, and both pages are built around the same discipline: transparent arithmetic, explicit reference ranges, and a firm refusal to diagnose. The anion gap subtracts the measured anions from measured cations to estimate whether unmeasured ions are contributing to an acid-base disturbance. The albumin globulin ratio (A/G ratio) compares albumin with a globulin value calculated by subtraction from total protein. One is an electrolyte story; the other is a protein story — and albumin shows up in both.
This page compares the two calculators so you can see which lab-workup ratio each one addresses. It is informational, not medical advice, and neither result is a diagnosis.
What each calculator does
The Anion Gap Calculator takes sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate in mEq/L and computes sodium minus the sum of chloride and bicarbonate. An optional potassium switch adds potassium to the cation side and changes the reference range to 5 to 16 mEq/L; an optional albumin correction adds 2.5 times the difference between 4.0 g/dL and the measured albumin. The result is displayed to one decimal and flagged low or high against the range (low below 3, high above 11, or below 5 and above 16 with potassium).
The Albumin Globulin Ratio Calculator takes albumin and total protein in g/dL, subtracts to estimate globulin, and divides albumin by that calculated globulin. The ratio is rounded to two decimals, with calculated globulin to one decimal. The calculator labels an A/G ratio from 1.0 through 2.5 as normal and gives a warning tone below 1.0 or above 2.5; if globulin is zero or negative the result is invalid.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Anion Gap Calculator | Albumin Globulin Ratio Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate (mEq/L) | Albumin + total protein (g/dL) |
| Optional inputs | Potassium switch, albumin correction | None |
| Formula | Na − (Cl + HCO3), optionally + K and + 2.5 × (4.0 − albumin) | Globulin = total protein − albumin; A/G = albumin ÷ globulin |
| Reference range | 3–11 mEq/L (5–16 with potassium) | 1.0–2.5 normal |
| Primary result | Anion gap to one decimal | A/G ratio to two decimals |
| Invalid state | None beyond input validation | Globulin zero or negative |
When to use which
Use the anion gap calculator when you are reviewing electrolyte chemistry — most commonly during metabolic acidosis evaluation, where the gap is discussed alongside pH and PaCO2 from an acid base calculator, oxygenation context, kidney function, lactate, ketones, medication history, and the timing of the sample. Keep the potassium switch and reference range consistent: comparing a potassium-included result with a potassium-excluded range is a common mistake, and the displayed interpretation follows the uncorrected gap even when albumin correction is turned on.
Use the A/G calculator when you are reviewing protein chemistry — for example, when albumin and total protein are on the same lab report and you want the calculated ratio. The page stresses that both inputs should come from the same blood draw, that calculated globulin is not the same as a directly measured globulin fraction, and that reference intervals vary by laboratory, method, specimen type, age, and clinical setting — compare with the range printed on the actual report rather than the coded values here.
The two pages explicitly point at each other: the anion gap page links the albumin globulin ratio calculator for reviewing protein relationships in the context of its albumin correction, and the A/G page links the anion gap calculator for acid-base and electrolyte context. Neither tool should be read alone, and neither changes the need for clinician interpretation.
Where to start
- Anion Gap Calculator — electrolyte gap with optional potassium and albumin correction.
- Albumin Globulin Ratio Calculator — A/G ratio from albumin and total protein.
Informational note: This page is an educational comparison, not medical advice. Anion gap and A/G ratio results depend on laboratory methods, reference ranges, symptoms, medications, and clinical context, and neither calculator diagnoses metabolic acidosis, liver disease, kidney disease, or any other condition. A qualified healthcare professional should interpret abnormal lab results.