A–a Gradient (Alveolar–arterial Oxygen Gradient) Calculator

Use this A–a gradient calculator to evaluate the cause of hypoxemia. It is helpful for clinicians, respiratory therapists, and students assessing ventilation-perfusion mismatch, shunting, and diffusion impairment.

Learn the underlying concept in our A–a Gradient guide, compare oxygenation severity in the P/F Ratio guide, or review full arterial interpretation in the ABG Interpretation Guide.

Sea level pressure is ~760 mmHg. Adjust for altitude.

47 mmHg is standard at body temperature (37°C).

Default is 0.8; measured via indirect calorimetry.

An elevated A–a gradient indicates a problem with oxygen transfer from the alveoli to the bloodstream. It helps distinguish the cause of hypoxemia, whether it is due to ventilation-perfusion mismatch, diffusion defect, or shunting.

Pair this tool with the ABG Analyzer for full blood gas interpretation, review the A–a Gradient guide, or compare oxygenation severity with the P/F Ratio article.