The term renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is used to describe a heterogeneous group of tumors that vary histologically, genetically and molecularly. Extensive research has been conducted to identify characteristics that predict outcomes among patients with RCC. In addition to histological subtype these include tumor size, patient age, mode of presentation and various hematological indices, among others. Several groups have incorporated these clinical and pathological features into nomograms which help the clinician better define individual patient prognosis and direct the optimum therapeutic approach. In the present article we review these prognostic variables and nomograms for RCC.