Reference values for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were defined using eight reports including epidemiological studies and studies in kidney donors. Studies using both inulin and 51Cr-EDTA were included. GFR decreased with age, by 4 ml/min decade below the age of 50, and 10 ml/min decade above 50 years of age. No sex difference was found. +/- 2 SD was equal to 25 ml/min at all ages. Based on these findings a nomogram for GFR is presented. Emphasis is given to the use of plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA estimated with single injection technique as the new reference method for GFR measurement.