Your kidneys are located high in your abdomen toward your back, just below your rib cage, one on each side of your spine. They sit slightly toward your back rather than the front of your belly, and the right kidney is usually a bit lower than the left because of the liver.

Quick Scoop

  • General spot: Near the middle of your back, just under the ribs, on either side of the spine.
  • Front vs. back: They are closer to your back than your belly, which is why kidney pain often feels like deep back or flank pain.
  • Height level: Roughly between the bottom of your chest and the top of your lower back (around the T12–L3 vertebrae in medical terms).
  • Right vs. left: The right kidney sits a bit lower than the left because the liver takes up space above it.

If you put your hands on the back of your lower ribs and move them slightly toward your spine, that’s roughly where your kidneys are inside your body.

If you ever have strong, sharp pain in that area, blood in your urine, fever, or trouble peeing, it is important to get checked by a medical professional quickly, since those can be signs of kidney problems.

TL;DR: Your kidneys are bean‑shaped organs sitting high in your back, just under your ribs, on both sides of your spine.