What is a normal HOMA-IR?

There is no single agreed cut-off, and it differs between populations and labs. Below about 1.5 is generally favourable. Studies in different populations have put the insulin-resistance cut-off anywhere from about 2 to 3.5. HealthOS flags 2.9 or above as likely insulin resistance.

How is HOMA-IR calculated?

Fasting glucose in mg/dL × fasting insulin in µIU/mL ÷ 405. With glucose in mmol/L, divide by 22.5 instead. For example, glucose 90 mg/dL and insulin 10 give 90 × 10 ÷ 405 = 2.2.

Do I need to fast for HOMA-IR?

Yes. Both values must come from the same fasting blood test, after 8 to 12 hours without food. The calculation does not work if you take insulin.

HOMA-IR calculator and normal range

Short answer: The healthy HOMA IR range HealthOS uses is < 1.5 for adults. Many labs print a wider reference range, so read your value against the one on your report too.

Free calculator

HOMA-IR calculator

HOMA-IR = fasting glucose (mg/dL) × fasting insulin (µIU/mL) ÷ 405

Source: Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, et al. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and β-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia 1985;28(7):412-419.

Fasting glucose

mg/dL

After 8 to 12 hours without food

Fasting insulin

µIU/mL

µIU/mL is the same number as mIU/L

Your result

Enter the numbers from your lab report to see your result.

Use glucose and insulin from the same fasting blood test. HOMA-IR does not work if you take insulin.

Worked out in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or saved.

A pointer, not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor about your result, and sooner if you feel unwell.

Upload your report and get all of them at onceDrop your lab report (a PDF or a photo) and HealthOS reads every marker, then works out every calculator your report allows, up to 20 of them side by side. Free, with no account.Read my report

All blood test calculators

A calculated score of insulin resistance from fasting glucose × insulin.

Normal range

Adult reference range.

Optimal< 1.5 index
Elevated1.5 – 2.9 index
High≥ 2.9 index

06 index

What it measures

A score combining fasting glucose and insulin to estimate insulin resistance. Lower is better.

What moves it

Everything that drives insulin and glucose: body fat, activity, diet, sleep.

How to bring it into range

Fat loss and consistent exercise are the most effective levers.

How fast it responds

Weeks to months.

Also reported as: homa-ir · insulin resistance index

See where your own value lands

Upload a lab report and HealthOS reads all 88 markers, personalises every range to your sex and age, and tells you which ones actually need attention. Free, no account needed.

Check my blood test

Get this marker explained for your own numbers

We’ll send you a short guide to reading this marker in context — what to check alongside it, and when a value is worth acting on.

One email about this marker. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We handle your details as described in our Privacy Policy.

Common questions

What is a normal HOMA-IR?: There is no single agreed cut-off, and it differs between populations and labs. Below about 1.5 is generally favourable. Studies in different populations have put the insulin-resistance cut-off anywhere from about 2 to 3.5. HealthOS flags 2.9 or above as likely insulin resistance.
How is HOMA-IR calculated?: Fasting glucose in mg/dL × fasting insulin in µIU/mL ÷ 405. With glucose in mmol/L, divide by 22.5 instead. For example, glucose 90 mg/dL and insulin 10 give 90 × 10 ÷ 405 = 2.2.
Do I need to fast for HOMA-IR?: Yes. Both values must come from the same fasting blood test, after 8 to 12 hours without food. The calculation does not work if you take insulin.

Related markers

Fasting Insulin Fasting Glucose

More in Metabolic

Fasting Glucose Fasting Insulin HbA1c

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.