HOMA-IR Calculator
Calculate an estimate of insulin resistance from paired fasting glucose and insulin.
Don't have these numbers yet?
Test with Mito.
HSA/FSA eligible Displaying member prices. Join for $9/month.
How this calculator works
The original HOMA1-IR approximation is fasting insulin × fasting glucose ÷ 405 when glucose is in mg/dL, or ÷ 22.5 when glucose is in mmol/L.
HOMA1-IR is a research estimate with substantial individual variation. There is no universal diagnostic cutoff. It is not the nonlinear Oxford HOMA2 model. It is not suitable for interpreting injected-insulin use, pregnancy or type 1 diabetes.
Method implementation checked October 28, 2026. Educational information, not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation.
What does HOMA-IR tell you about insulin resistance?
HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance from the relationship between fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Those two values answer different questions: how much glucose is in your blood, and how much insulin is present at the same time. Reading them together adds context that either number alone can miss. [1]
Why look at glucose and insulin together?
In the HOMA1 formula, both fasting glucose and fasting insulin affect the result. At a fasting glucose of 90 mg/dL, insulin of 5 µIU/mL gives a HOMA-IR of about 1.1. Insulin of 10 µIU/mL gives about 2.2 at the same glucose. This illustrates how the calculation works; it does not assign either result a diagnosis. [1]
Is there one normal HOMA-IR cutoff?
There is no universal diagnostic cutoff for everyone. Reference values depend on the population and the insulin assay, and HOMA is a model of the fasting state. A threshold from a study, another calculator or another laboratory may not be appropriate for your own result. [2]
- Keep the glucose and insulin values alongside the calculated score.
- Check which assay, population and HOMA version a comparison uses.
- Do not translate a HOMA-IR value into a diabetes diagnosis.
What do A1C and other metabolic results add?
HOMA-IR describes a fasting relationship. A1C reflects average blood glucose over roughly three months, while a fasting glucose test measures one point in time. These results can answer different questions, so a change in one does not guarantee the others changed in the same direction. Keep those differences in view when discussing ways to improve insulin sensitivity. [3]
- Fasting glucose: the glucose concentration at the draw.
- Fasting insulin: the insulin concentration used with glucose in HOMA-IR.
- Laboratory A1C: a longer-term view of average glucose exposure.
How can you make repeat scores comparable?
Use paired fasting results from the same draw and follow the preparation instructions for the order. This calculator uses the HOMA1 approximation; HOMA2 uses a different computer model. When comparing reports, check the method and units first, then compare the underlying glucose and insulin rather than the score alone. [2]
- Keep the laboratory, dates and preparation notes with each result.
- Use the same method when following a trend.
- Check insulin units carefully; this tool does not convert pmol/L.
Connect your fasting results to longer-term health
Understand fasting insulin and what the test measures- HbA1c adds a view of average blood sugar over roughly three months, giving you a longer-term measure alongside your fasting glucose and insulin.
- A lipid panel adds triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Read together with your waist measurement and health history, these results give a clinician more context for your metabolic health.
- With Mito membership, clinician-reviewed results inform an action plan for food, movement and other habits, including which markers to follow and when to retest.
References
Frequently asked questions
Can I calculate HOMA-IR from A1C?
No. HOMA1-IR needs fasting glucose and fasting insulin. A1C and estimated average glucose are different measurements and cannot replace either input. [1]
Why can’t I enter insulin in pmol/L?
This calculator supports insulin in µIU/mL or mIU/L. Conversion from pmol/L can depend on the assay, so it does not apply a generic conversion factor. Check the reporting units with your laboratory. [2]
Can I use this if I take injected insulin?
This tool is not intended for injected-insulin use, pregnancy or type 1 diabetes. Those situations do not fit the interpretation supported here.
Does a higher HOMA-IR mean I have diabetes?
No. HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance; it is not a diabetes diagnostic test. Diabetes testing uses established laboratory criteria for A1C or glucose, with confirmation when appropriate. [3]
Understand the bigger metabolic picture
More context for your result, your options and the questions that come next.
Explore more tools
See all toolsLongevity
Biological Age Calculator
Estimate your biological age with PhenoAge using nine blood measurements and your age at the draw.
Blood sugar
A1C & Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) Calculator
Convert between A1C and estimated average glucose (eAG) with the ADAG relationship.
Heart health
Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Work out your total-to-HDL ratio and non-HDL cholesterol from your lipid results.
Body measurements
Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Put your waist measurement in context using your height. No lab results needed.
Planning
HSA/FSA Budget Calculator
Find lab tests that fit your HSA or FSA budget and compare complete prices.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
Mito Membership
$9 /mo
cancel anytime
Without membership
$0
pay as you go
At-cost pricing on labs, scans, and more
Supplements at member rates NEW
On-demand clinician consults when you need guidance
Personalized action plans across supplements, exercise, nutrition, and sleep
AI health coaching to help you act on your results
Year-round medical support, with in-chat clinician escalation
All your health records in one personal vault, with trends and biological age tracking
Early access to new diagnostics and product releases