What is a normal HOMA-β value?

In healthy individuals, HOMA-β is approximately 100%. Values are relative — higher means greater beta-cell secretory capacity. Most reference labs consider the range 50%–200% as broadly normal, though this varies by population.

What formula does this calculator use?

HOMA-β (%) = (20 × fasting insulin in µIU/mL) ÷ (fasting glucose in mmol/L − 3.5). This is the original Matthews et al. (1985) formula. Glucose is automatically converted from mg/dL if needed.

What does a low HOMA-β indicate?

A HOMA-β well below 100% suggests reduced pancreatic beta-cell secretory capacity, which is characteristic of type 2 diabetes progression and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

Can I use venous plasma glucose from a lab report?

Yes. Standard fasting venous plasma glucose from a certified lab is appropriate. Ensure the sample was taken after at least 8 hours of fasting for accurate results.

Is this tool a medical diagnosis?

No. HOMA-β is a research and screening index. It should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional alongside other clinical findings.

Why does the formula subtract 3.5 from glucose?

The subtraction of 3.5 mmol/L accounts for the glucose threshold below which beta cells do not secrete significant insulin, anchoring the formula to physiologically meaningful insulin secretion.

HOMA-β Beta Cell Function Calculator

Name: HOMA-β Beta Cell Function Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate pancreatic beta-cell function percentage from fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin using the validated HOMA-β formula.

Enter Fasting Lab Values

Use results from a blood draw taken after at least 8 hours of fasting.

Fasting Plasma Glucose

Fasting Serum Insulin

Formula (Matthews et al., 1985):
HOMA-β (%) = (20 × insulin µIU/mL) ÷ (glucose mmol/L − 3.5)

Enter your lab values and click
Calculate to see results.

HOMA-β Reference Ranges

HOMA-β (%)	Interpretation	Clinical Context
< 50%	Severely reduced	Advanced beta-cell failure; often seen in longstanding type 2 or type 1 diabetes
50% – 80%	Moderately reduced	Impaired secretion; may indicate early or progressing type 2 diabetes
80% – 120%	Normal range	Beta-cell function near the healthy reference baseline
120% – 200%	Above average	Elevated secretion; may compensate for insulin resistance
> 200%	Markedly elevated	Strong compensatory secretion; review insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR)

Reference ranges are indicative. Individual variation exists; always interpret in clinical context.

Summary