Haemoglobin: normal range and what it means
Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells; low = anaemia.
Normal range
This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
| Normal range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 13.2 g/dL | < 11.6 g/dL |
| Normal | 13.2 – 16.6 g/dL | 11.6 – 15 g/dL |
| High | ≥ 16.6 g/dL | ≥ 15 g/dL |
What it measures
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low levels (anaemia) cause fatigue and breathlessness.
What moves it
Iron, B12 and folate status, blood loss, hydration and altitude.
How to bring it into range
Correcting iron/B-vitamin deficiencies and treating any blood loss.
How fast it responds
Weeks.
Also reported as: hb · hgb · haemoglobin · hemoglobin
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Common questions
- What is a normal Haemoglobin level?
- Normal: 13.2 – 16.6 g/dL. This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
- What does a high Haemoglobin mean?
- A value above the reference band means Haemoglobin is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
- How do I improve my Haemoglobin?
- Correcting iron/B-vitamin deficiencies and treating any blood loss.
Related markers
More in Complete Blood Count
Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.