What is a normal HOMA-IR value?

Most studies consider HOMA-IR below 1.0 as optimal insulin sensitivity. Values between 1.0 and 1.9 are generally considered normal for adults. Values of 2.0 to 2.9 suggest borderline insulin resistance, and 3.0 or above indicates significant insulin resistance.

What units should I use for glucose?

This calculator accepts both mg/dL (used in the United States) and mmol/L (used in most other countries). Select the correct unit before entering your value. 1 mmol/L equals approximately 18.016 mg/dL.

What units should I use for insulin?

Enter insulin in mIU/L, which is the same as µIU/mL. Most lab reports in the United States use µIU/mL; they are numerically identical to mIU/L.

How accurate is HOMA-IR?

HOMA-IR is a validated research and clinical screening tool, but it is not a diagnostic test on its own. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional alongside other metabolic markers such as HbA1c, lipids, and waist circumference.

What is the HOMA-IR formula?

HOMA-IR = (Fasting Glucose in mmol/L × Fasting Insulin in mIU/L) ÷ 22.5. The constant 22.5 is derived from the product of normal fasting glucose (4.5 mmol/L) and normal fasting insulin (5 mIU/L).

Do I need to fast before the blood test?

Yes. Both glucose and insulin must be measured after at least 8 hours of fasting (typically an overnight fast). Non-fasting values will produce inaccurate HOMA-IR results.

HOMA-IR Insulin Resistance Calculator

Name: HOMA-IR Insulin Resistance Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your fasting glucose and fasting insulin values to instantly calculate your HOMA-IR insulin resistance index.

Enter Fasting Lab Values

Fasting Glucose

Normal fasting range: 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)

Fasting Insulin (mIU/L)

Also written as µIU/mL — numerically identical to mIU/L

Reference Ranges

Optimal < 1.0

Normal 1.0 – 1.9

Borderline Resistant 2.0 – 2.9

Insulin Resistant 3.0 – 4.9

Highly Resistant ≥ 5.0

Enter your fasting glucose and insulin values, then click Calculate.

Summary

Enter your fasting glucose and fasting insulin values to instantly calculate your HOMA-IR insulin resistance index.

How it works

Enter your fasting plasma glucose value and select the unit (mg/dL or mmol/L).
Enter your fasting serum insulin value in mIU/L (also written as µIU/mL).
The calculator converts glucose to mmol/L if needed, then applies the HOMA-IR formula.
Your HOMA-IR score is displayed alongside an interpretation band (Optimal, Borderline, Resistant, Highly Resistant).
Review the reference table to understand where your result falls relative to clinical thresholds.

Use cases

Screen for pre-diabetes or early metabolic syndrome.
Track insulin sensitivity improvements from diet or exercise changes.
Understand lab results before or after a doctor visit.
Compare fasting insulin values across different glucose units.
Research metabolic health and understand clinical HOMA-IR thresholds.
Support lifestyle interventions for weight management.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu