BMP vs CMP: Key Differences Explained
Compare the 8 tests in a basic metabolic panel with the 14 tests in a comprehensive metabolic panel, including the 6 measurements only a CMP adds.
Medically reviewed by Rhonda Collins, FNP-C | Mito Health on September 4, 2026.
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) includes 8 tests. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) includes those same 8 tests plus 6 more, for 14 tests total. The added CMP measurements are total protein, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
That makes the choice mostly about scope. A BMP covers glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and two kidney-related measurements. A CMP adds protein and liver-related measurements to that same foundation. If a clinician has already ordered one, follow that order. If the order is unclear, ask the ordering clinician which panel they intended.
What is a BMP?
A basic metabolic panel is a group of 8 blood tests: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate (also reported as carbon dioxide), chloride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. Together, these measurements provide information about blood sugar, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function.
Mito offers the exact Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) as its own product. Current availability and purchasing details live on that product page.
What is a CMP?
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of 14 blood tests. It contains every test in a BMP, then adds total protein, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Those additions provide protein and liver-related information that a BMP does not include.
Mito offers the exact Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) as a separate product. Current availability and purchasing details live on that product page.
BMP vs CMP at a glance
Comparison | BMP | CMP |
|---|---|---|
Total number of tests | 8 | 14 |
Shared tests | Glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate/carbon dioxide, chloride, BUN, and creatinine | The same 8 tests included in a BMP |
Additional tests | None | Total protein, albumin, bilirubin, ALP, ALT, and AST |
Typical scope | Blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney-related measurements | Everything in a BMP, plus protein and liver-related measurements |
The 8 tests a BMP and CMP share
Both panels include exactly the same 8 core tests:
- Glucose: measures the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Calcium: measures calcium in the blood.
- Sodium: measures one of the body’s major electrolytes.
- Potassium: measures an electrolyte involved in fluid balance and cell function.
- Bicarbonate/carbon dioxide: measures bicarbonate in the blood and may be labeled carbon dioxide on a lab report.
- Chloride: measures an electrolyte that works with sodium and bicarbonate in fluid and acid-base balance.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): measures nitrogen from urea, a waste product filtered by the kidneys.
- Creatinine: measures a waste product filtered by the kidneys.
The 6 tests only a CMP adds
A CMP adds these 6 measurements to the 8-test BMP:
- Total protein: measures the combined amount of albumin and globulins in the blood.
- Albumin: measures the main protein made by the liver.
- Bilirubin: measures a waste product formed as red blood cells break down.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): measures an enzyme found in several tissues, including the liver and bones.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): measures an enzyme found mainly in the liver.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): measures an enzyme found in the liver and other tissues.
When BMPs and CMPs are commonly ordered
BMPs and CMPs are both common parts of routine care and may also be ordered to gather information before a procedure, review how the body is responding to a medicine, or follow changes over time. The ordering context varies because the two panels cover different amounts of information.
A BMP is the narrower panel. A CMP is commonly used when the ordering clinician also wants the protein and liver-related measurements included in the same blood draw. Neither panel’s name explains why it was ordered for a particular person, so follow an existing order or ask the ordering clinician when the intended panel is unclear.
Should you choose a BMP or CMP?
Choose the panel that matches the scope of the order or the information you and your clinician intend to collect. A BMP is the direct choice when you want the 8-test basic panel. A CMP is the direct choice when you want those same 8 tests plus its 6 protein and liver-related additions.
The two panels overlap, so ordering both for the same purpose would repeat the 8 shared tests. If you are comparing purchasing options, start with the exact BMP product page or CMP product page. For a separate discussion of costs, see the comprehensive metabolic panel cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a CMP include everything in a BMP? Yes. A CMP contains all 8 BMP tests and adds 6 more, for 14 total.
- Which tests are added in a CMP? A CMP adds total protein, albumin, bilirubin, ALP, ALT, and AST.
- Is a CMP always better than a BMP? No. A CMP covers more measurements, but more is not automatically better. The right scope depends on the order or the information being collected.
- Can a BMP and CMP be done from the same blood draw? Both are blood panels. Collection details depend on the laboratory and the rest of the order, so follow the preparation and collection instructions provided with your order.
- How do I know which panel my clinician ordered? Check the order for “basic metabolic panel” or “comprehensive metabolic panel.” Ask the ordering clinician or lab if the name is missing or unclear.
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Medical disclaimer
This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for care tailored to your health history and symptoms.
