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HOMA-IR Calculator

The standard way to estimate insulin resistance when you have a fasting insulin result.

Calculate

Both values must come from the same fasting blood sample. Nothing is stored — the maths runs in your browser.

Enter a positive value in every field.

Wellness estimate, not a diagnosis. HOMA-IR is a research and screening estimate. Thresholds vary between populations, and insulin assays are not standardised between laboratories — so compare against your own lab's range where possible, and discuss any concern with a doctor.

HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It estimates how hard your pancreas is working to keep your blood sugar normal.

The logic is simple. If your glucose is normal but your insulin is high, your body is only keeping glucose in range by producing extra insulin — that is insulin resistance. If both are low-normal, your insulin is working efficiently.

How to read your result

ValueCommon interpretation
Below 1.0Insulin sensitive — considered optimal
1.0 – 2.0Normal range for most laboratories
2.0 – 2.9Early insulin resistance becomes more likely
3.0 or aboveSignificant insulin resistance more likely

What can distort the result

Common questions

What is a good HOMA-IR?

Below 1.0 is generally considered optimal and below 2.0 within the normal range for most laboratories. Values of 3.0 or above are more often associated with significant insulin resistance.

My insulin is in pmol/L — does that work?

Yes. Switch the unit selector and the calculator converts to µIU/mL first, dividing by 6.0, which is the conventional factor.

Can HOMA-IR be normal and I still have a problem?

Yes. HOMA-IR reflects the fasting state only. Someone can have normal fasting values but a poor response after meals, which this cannot see.

No insulin on my blood test — what then?

Most routine panels do not include it. The TyG index was designed for exactly that situation, estimating insulin resistance from triglycerides and glucose instead.

See it alongside everything else

HOMA-IR is one marker. PhisBio Lab reads your whole blood panel and shows how five body systems are doing.

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