Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) measures the blood's maximum capacity to bind iron using transferrin. It reflects how much transferrin is available to transport iron. A high TIBC typically indicates iron deficiency; a low TIBC may suggest iron overload or protein deficiency.

Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) is the amount of transferrin not yet bound to iron. TIBC = Serum Iron + UIBC. Labs may report either UIBC or TIBC directly; if you have TIBC, you can enter it in the TIBC field and leave UIBC at 0.

What is a normal transferrin saturation?

Normal transferrin saturation is roughly 20–50% in adults. Values below 20% suggest iron deficiency; values above 50–60% may indicate iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis). Context, symptoms, and other labs are required for clinical interpretation.

What is a normal TIBC range?

The typical reference range for TIBC is 250–370 µg/dL. TIBC is elevated in iron deficiency (transferrin rises to capture more iron) and decreased in iron overload, malnutrition, or inflammatory states.

Can this calculator diagnose iron deficiency?

No. This tool performs the arithmetic and displays reference ranges for educational purposes only. Diagnosis requires clinical judgment, patient history, and correlation with additional labs such as ferritin, CBC, and reticulocyte count.

TIBC Calculator (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)

Name: TIBC Calculator (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter serum iron and UIBC (or TIBC directly) to calculate TIBC and transferrin saturation percentage.

Enter Iron Study Values

Serum Iron (µg/dL)

Normal: 60–170 µg/dL

UIBC — Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (µg/dL)

Or enter 0 here and use the TIBC field below.

or enter TIBC directly

TIBC (if already known) (µg/dL)

Normal: 250–370 µg/dL. Overrides UIBC when filled.

Reference Ranges (Adults)

Test	Normal
Serum Iron	60–170 µg/dL
TIBC	250–370 µg/dL
UIBC	111–343 µg/dL
Transferrin Saturation	20–50%

Sat < 20% + high TIBC — suggests iron deficiency

Sat 20–50% + TIBC 250–370 — within normal limits

Sat > 50% + low TIBC — may indicate iron overload

Summary

Enter serum iron and UIBC (or TIBC directly) to calculate TIBC and transferrin saturation percentage.

How it works

Enter the serum iron level in µg/dL (normal range: 60–170 µg/dL).
Enter UIBC (Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity) in µg/dL, or enter TIBC directly if you already have it.
The calculator computes TIBC = Serum Iron + UIBC.
Transferrin Saturation (%) = (Serum Iron ÷ TIBC) × 100.
Review the result alongside the reference ranges to interpret iron status.

Use cases

Screen for iron deficiency anemia in patients with low hemoglobin.
Monitor iron replacement therapy progress.
Distinguish iron deficiency from anemia of chronic disease.
Evaluate suspected hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Assess iron stores in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Interpret iron studies ordered as part of a complete metabolic workup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-25 · Reviewed by Nham Vu