HOMA-IR Calculator (Insulin Resistance)
Use our HOMA-IR calculator to estimate insulin resistance from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Includes what HOMA-IR stands for, the HOMA-IR calculation formula, HOMA-IR range guidance, and how to calculate HOMA-IR score step by step.
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It’s a calculated index that estimates insulin resistance using two fasting lab values: fasting glucose and fasting insulin.
Many people describe it as a “HOMA-IR blood test,” but it’s not a separate test—HOMA-IR is a calculation performed using standard fasting labs.
HOMA-IR can be useful for screening and tracking trends, but it’s not a diagnosis by itself. Interpretation depends on lab methods, population ranges, and clinical context.
HOMA-IR Formula
There are two common versions of the HOMA-IR formula depending on the glucose unit (mg/dL vs mmol/L).
Fasting insulin in µIU/mL (µU/mL) and fasting glucose in mg/dL.
Fasting insulin in µIU/mL and fasting glucose in mmol/L.
Higher HOMA-IR generally suggests more insulin resistance.
HOMA-IR Range Chart
There isn’t one universal HOMA-IR cutoff used everywhere. These ranges are commonly cited as general guidance (interpretation varies by lab and population).
| HOMA-IR range | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below ~1.0 | Often considered insulin-sensitive in many reference discussions |
| ~1.0–1.9 | Generally favorable / lower insulin resistance (context-dependent) |
| ~2.0–2.9 | Often discussed as increased insulin resistance risk in many references |
| ≥ ~3.0 | Often considered insulin resistance more likely (varies by source) |
Use these as informational guidance only. If you’re using HOMA-IR medically, follow clinician interpretation.
How to Calculate HOMA-IR Score
- 1
Enter your fasting glucose value (mg/dL or mmol/L).
- 2
Enter your fasting insulin value (µIU/mL).
- 3
Choose the correct formula based on glucose units: ÷405 for mg/dL or ÷22.5 for mmol/L.
- 4
The calculator returns your HOMA-IR score (higher generally means more insulin resistance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance.
HOMA-IR isn’t a separate lab test—it’s a calculated index using fasting insulin and fasting glucose from standard bloodwork.
If glucose is in mg/dL: HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose) ÷ 405. If glucose is in mmol/L: HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose) ÷ 22.5.
Insulin resistance can be estimated in multiple ways. HOMA-IR is one common index based on fasting labs. Clinicians may also look at fasting glucose, A1C, OGTT results, triglycerides/HDL, and other markers depending on the situation.
Cutoffs vary. Many references consider values around ~1–2 more favorable and values above ~2 or ~3 more concerning, but there’s no single universal threshold.
No. “Insulin sensitivity factor” usually refers to diabetes dosing (how much 1 unit of insulin lowers glucose). HOMA-IR is a lab-based index estimating insulin resistance.