QUICKI Calculator
Use our QUICKI calculator to estimate insulin sensitivity from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Includes what insulin sensitivity means, the QUICKI index formula, how to calculate insulin sensitivity step by step, and a QUICKI score interpretation chart (common research cutoffs).
What Insulin Sensitivity Means
Insulin sensitivity describes how effectively your body responds to insulin to move glucose from the blood into cells. Higher insulin sensitivity generally means your body needs less insulin to manage blood sugar; lower insulin sensitivity is often described as insulin resistance.
QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) is a simple index derived from a fasting blood sample. It combines fasting glucose and fasting insulin into a single number that’s used in research and sometimes for quick screening.
QUICKI is an estimate—not a diagnosis. Interpretation depends on context, lab methods, and clinical risk factors.
QUICKI Index Formula
QUICKI is calculated from fasting insulin and fasting glucose using a logarithmic formula. Most published calculators use glucose in mg/dL and insulin in µU/mL (µIU/mL).
Fasting insulin in µU/mL (µIU/mL) and fasting glucose in mg/dL. Using a different log base changes the numeric value (and cutoffs).
Convert mmol/L to mg/dL before calculating QUICKI if your glucose is reported in mmol/L.
Higher QUICKI generally indicates higher insulin sensitivity.
QUICKI Score Chart
There is no single universal “normal” QUICKI value used everywhere. These ranges reflect commonly cited research/clinical reference cutoffs to help you interpret a QUICKI score.
| QUICKI Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ≥ 0.35 | Often described as more insulin-sensitive (general reference range in many secondary sources) |
| 0.33 to 0.349 | Lower insulin sensitivity (some studies use ~0.33–0.35 as a screening zone) |
| < 0.33 | Insulin resistance more likely (common research cutoff near ~0.339 or ~0.33) |
| ≈ 0.30 or lower | Seen in diabetes populations in some references (not diagnostic on its own) |
Use these as informational guidance only. Lab methods, populations, and definitions vary, and QUICKI should be interpreted with a clinician in context.
How to Calculate QUICKI
- 1
Enter your fasting insulin value (µU/mL or µIU/mL).
- 2
Enter your fasting glucose value (choose mg/dL or mmol/L).
- 3
If glucose is in mmol/L, convert it to mg/dL using mg/dL = mmol/L × 18.
- 4
Calculate QUICKI = 1 / (log10(insulin) + log10(glucose)).
Frequently Asked Questions
QUICKI is a fasting-blood-sample index that estimates insulin sensitivity using fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Higher QUICKI generally indicates higher insulin sensitivity.
Compute QUICKI using QUICKI = 1 / (log10(fasting insulin) + log10(fasting glucose)), with insulin in µU/mL and glucose in mg/dL (convert mmol/L to mg/dL first).
QUICKI is not a percentage—it’s an index. People sometimes use “percentage” casually, but QUICKI values are decimals (for example, ~0.33–0.45 depending on the population and definition).
QUICKI is one insulin-sensitivity index (lower QUICKI suggests more insulin resistance). Other common indices exist (like HOMA-IR). This calculator focuses only on QUICKI.
No. QUICKI is an estimate that can support screening or research comparisons. Diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and appropriate lab criteria.