CBC Report: Normal Range & How to Read It
A CBC report counts your red cells, white cells and platelets. Values outside the normal range are marked H (high) or L (low).
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Three things a CBC checks
Red blood cells
Carry oxygen. Includes haemoglobin, RBC count and PCV.
White blood cells
Fight infection. Includes total WBC, neutrophils and lymphocytes.
Platelets
Help your blood clot. Shown as the platelet count.
CBC normal range for adults
Labs differ a little. Always compare with the range printed on your report.
| Test | Men | Women | Unit | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red cells | ||||
| Haemoglobin | Men 13.8–17.2 | Women 12.1–15.1 | g/dL | Carries oxygen. Low can mean anaemia. |
| RBC count | Men 4.7–6.1 | Women 4.2–5.4 | million/µL | Number of red blood cells. |
| Haematocrit (PCV) | Men 41–53 | Women 36–46 | % | Share of your blood made of red cells. |
| MCV | 80–100 | fL | Average size of your red cells. | |
| MCH | 27–33 | pg | Haemoglobin inside each red cell. | |
| MCHC | 32–36 | g/dL | How packed red cells are with haemoglobin. | |
| RDW-CV | 11.5–14.5 | % | How much red cell size varies. | |
| White cells | ||||
| Total WBC | 4,000–11,000 | cells/µL | All white cells together. | |
| Neutrophils | 1,500–8,000 | cells/µL | White cells that fight bacteria. | |
| Lymphocytes | 1,000–3,000 | cells/µL | White cells that fight viruses. | |
| Platelets | ||||
| Platelet count | 1.5–4.5 lakh | per µL | Cells that help blood clot. | |
Ranges from the NirogGyan biomarker library. Updated .
What a CBC report looks like
The same results in the usual lab layout, and as a NirogGyan Smart Report.
Numbers and ranges in rows
Each value on our report slider
How to read your CBC report
Check your details
Age and sex decide which range applies to you.
Find your result
The Result column shows your value for each test.
Compare with the range
The Range column shows what is normal for that test.
Look for H or L
A flag marks a value outside the range. Your doctor reads what it means.
CBC report questions
What is a normal CBC report?
Every value sits inside the range printed next to it. Small differences are common, and your doctor reads them together with how you feel.
Do I need to fast for a CBC test?
Usually no. A CBC can be done at any time of day. If other tests such as blood sugar are booked with it, the lab may ask you to fast.
What do H and L mean on my CBC report?
H means your value is above the lab's range and L means it is below. A flag shows which value to look at first. It is a pointer for your doctor, and it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can a CBC show an infection?
A CBC can show signs that often come with an infection, such as a high white cell count. Your doctor finds the cause using your symptoms and, if needed, other tests.
When should I talk to a doctor about my CBC?
Share any flagged value with your doctor, especially if you also feel unwell. They read the full report along with your health history.
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Upload your reportThis page explains how to read a lab report. It does not replace advice from your doctor. All sample values are made up.