Haemoglobin Report: Normal Range & How to Read It
Haemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Your report prints it in g/dL, with a range for your age and sex.
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Every value explained in plain words.
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What haemoglobin does
Carries oxygen
From your lungs to every part of the body.
Shows anaemia
A low value is the main sign of anaemia.
Read with other values
MCV, ferritin and iron help find the reason for a change.
Haemoglobin normal range
Labs differ a little. Always compare with the range printed on your report.
| Test | Men | Women | Unit | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin | ||||
| Adults | Men 13.8–17.2 | Women 12.1–15.1 | g/dL | Usual range for adults. |
| Pregnancy | 11.0 or more | g/dL | Lower limit used during pregnancy. | |
| Children, 6 months to 5 years | 11.0 or more | g/dL | WHO lower limit for young children. | |
| Children, 5 to 11 years | 11.5 or more | g/dL | WHO lower limit for this age. | |
| Read with it | ||||
| 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. | |
| Ferritin | Men 30–400 | Women 15–150 | ng/mL | Iron stored in the body. |
| Serum iron | 60–170 | µg/dL | Iron in your blood right now. | |
Ranges from the NirogGyan biomarker library and WHO haemoglobin cut-offs for pregnancy and children. Updated .
What an Hb 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 Hb report
Check your details
Age, sex and pregnancy decide which range applies to you.
Find your result
Haemoglobin is printed in g/dL.
Compare with the range
The Range column shows what is normal for you.
Look for H or L
A flag marks a value outside the range. Your doctor reads what it means.
Haemoglobin report questions
What is a normal haemoglobin level for women?
Our biomarker library uses 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for non-pregnant women. Labs differ a little, so compare with your report.
What is a normal haemoglobin level for men?
Our biomarker library uses 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men. Check the range printed on your own report.
What does low haemoglobin mean?
It means your blood carries less haemoglobin than the lab's range. Your doctor looks for the reason with other values such as MCV and ferritin.
Does haemoglobin change in pregnancy?
Yes. Blood volume rises in pregnancy, so the lower limit used for pregnant women is lower, about 11 g/dL.
Can food help haemoglobin?
Iron, folate and vitamin B12 in food help the body make haemoglobin. Your doctor decides whether you need supplements.
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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.