COPD/ emphysema stages range from mild to very severe. COPD is graded with the GOLD criteria, which uses spirometry results from forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The GOLD stages are as follows: 🟣 Stage 1 (mild): FEV1 above 80% 🟣 Stage 2 (moderate): FEV1 between 50–79% 🟣 Stage 3 (severe): FEV1 between 30–49% 🟣 Stage 4 (very severe): FEV1 below 30% Your pulmonologist will also consider the severity of your symptoms, such as breathlessness, and risk o