What quadrant is the liver in?
If you’ve ever had abdominal pain and tried to figure out what organ might be involved, you’ve probably heard of the abdominal quadrants. These quadrants divide the abdomen into four sections, helping doctors and patients describe where symptoms occur. One of the most important organs in this system is the liver. So, what quadrant is the liver in? The short answer: the liver is mostly in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain liver anatomy, its location in abdominal quadrants, common conditions that cause RUQ pain, how doctors evaluate liver-related pain, and what you should know to protect your liver health.
Understanding abdominal quadrants
The abdomen is divided into four quadrants by two imaginary lines:
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A vertical line down the middle (from sternum to pubic bone)
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A horizontal line across the belly button
This creates:
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Right upper quadrant (RUQ)
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Left upper quadrant (LUQ)
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Right lower quadrant (RLQ)
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Left lower quadrant (LLQ)
Doctors use these quadrants to describe where pain, tenderness, or abnormalities are located during an exam.
Where is the liver located?
The liver is primarily located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ), just beneath the diaphragm. However, it extends partially into the left upper quadrant (LUQ) because of its large size.
Liver position details:
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Right lobe: Occupies most of the RUQ, under the right rib cage.
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Left lobe: Extends across the midline into the LUQ.
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Gallbladder: Sits beneath the liver in the RUQ.
Because of this, liver pain is usually felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, though it can sometimes radiate to the back or right shoulder.
Why does the quadrant matter?
Knowing the quadrant helps narrow down possible causes of abdominal pain. For example:
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Pain in the RUQ may suggest liver, gallbladder, or right kidney issues.
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Pain in the LUQ may involve the stomach, spleen, or pancreas.
Since the liver dominates the RUQ, pain there often raises suspicion of liver conditions.
Common liver-related causes of RUQ pain
Several liver conditions can cause pain or discomfort in the RUQ:
Fatty liver disease
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Excess fat stored in the liver can cause dull aching in the RUQ.
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Linked to obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol use.
Hepatitis
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Inflammation of the liver due to viral infections (A, B, C), autoimmune disease, or toxins.
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Often causes pain, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
Cirrhosis
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Scarring from long-term liver damage.
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May cause RUQ pain, swelling, and complications like ascites.
Liver cancer
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Tumors in the liver can produce RUQ pain as they grow.
Gallbladder disease
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Though not the liver itself, the gallbladder sits under the liver in the RUQ.
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Gallstones can cause sudden, severe pain known as biliary colic.
How is RUQ pain evaluated?
Doctors use a combination of physical exams, imaging, and blood tests to determine the cause of RUQ pain.
Physical exam
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Pressing on the RUQ to check for tenderness or enlargement.
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Checking for signs of jaundice.
Imaging tests
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Ultrasound: Common first step to visualize liver and gallbladder.
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CT scan or MRI: Provides more detailed images.
Blood tests
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Liver function tests (LFTs)
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Viral hepatitis screening
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Complete blood count (CBC)
Biopsy
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In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken to confirm a diagnosis.
How liver pain feels compared to other RUQ pain
RUQ pain is not always liver-related. Other organs in this area can cause similar discomfort:
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Gallbladder pain: Often sharp and sudden, especially after fatty meals.
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Kidney pain: Usually felt more in the flank or back, can radiate downward.
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Lung issues: Right-sided pneumonia or pleurisy can sometimes mimic RUQ pain.
Because of this overlap, it’s important to get medical testing rather than self-diagnosing.
How to protect your liver in the RUQ
The best way to avoid RUQ pain from liver disease is to protect your liver health:
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Limit alcohol use.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
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Avoid sharing needles and practice safe sex to reduce hepatitis C risk.
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Eat a balanced diet with whole foods.
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Get regular checkups if you have liver risk factors.
Takeaway
The liver is located mainly in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen, though it extends slightly into the left upper quadrant. Pain or discomfort in this area can signal liver disease, gallbladder problems, or other abdominal issues. Because many different conditions can affect the RUQ, proper diagnosis is essential. Protecting your liver through healthy lifestyle choices — like limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis — can help keep this vital organ healthy.
Want to better understand your liver health? Our at-home liver function test can provide valuable insights and support your next conversation with your doctor.
Related Resources
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Normal Liver Size in cm by Age – Learn the expected size of a healthy liver.
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Spleen vs Liver: What You Need to Know – How these two organs compare.
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Liver Pain in Back – Understanding referred liver pain.
References
Liver: Anatomy and Functions. (2025, April 4). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Hopkinsmedicine.org website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions
Quadrants and regions of abdomen - Wikiwand. (2021). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Wikiwand.com website: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Quadrants_and_regions_of_abdomen
The 4 Abdominal Quadrants: Regions & Organs - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. (2020). Retrieved from Study.com website: https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-4-abdominal-quadrants-regions-organs.html
The Liver - Lobes - Ligaments - Vasculature - TeachMeAnatomy. (2025). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Teachmeanatomy.info website: https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/viscera/liver/
Vernon, H., Wehrle, C. J., Sampson, V., & Kasi, A. (2022, November 26). Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Liver. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500014/
