OBJECTIVES In 2013, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommendations on COPD management and prevention were updated to include additional therapeutic options for patients based on severity using a combined assessment of symptoms, degree of airflow limitation and number of exacerbations. The objective of the present study was to quantify the prevalence and incidence of COPD in the UK and estimate disease severity by 2013 GOLD categories A/B (low risk) and C/D (high risk). METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of COPD aged ≥40 years were identified in the population-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Point prevalence was calculated on December 31, 2013. Incidence was estimated using newly diagnosed patients between 2009-2013. Rates were standardised using 2011 UK population age and gender. % predicted FEV, modified British Medical Research Council grade and exacerbations defined by Read codes and prescriptions were used to classify patients by GOLD categories. Patient characteristics were reported.  RESULTS CONCLUSIONS A third of COPD patients in the UK are considered high-risk according to the 2013 GOLD categories. Classification of patients is key to identifying appropriate treatment options to reduce symptoms and the frequency of COPD exacerbations.