HOMA-IR Calculator (Insulin Resistance)
Estimate insulin resistance with HOMA-IR — the homeostatic model assessment, calculated from a single fasting blood sample (fasting glucose and fasting insulin). It is a simple, widely used surrogate for insulin resistance in research and everyday practice. Enter fasting values taken after an 8–12 hour fast.
About HOMA-IR
HOMA-IR is a fasting-sample surrogate for insulin resistance: (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) ÷ 405 (mg/dL) or ÷ 22.5 (mmol/L). Source: Matthews DR et al., Diabetologia 1985;28(7):412–419.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HOMA-IR formula?
HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) ÷ 405 when glucose is in mg/dL, or ÷ 22.5 when glucose is in mmol/L. Insulin is in µU/mL (the same as mIU/L). For example, fasting insulin 8 µU/mL with glucose 90 mg/dL gives (8 × 90) ÷ 405 = 1.8.
What is a normal HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR cut-offs vary by population, but as a guide: below about 1.0 suggests optimal insulin sensitivity, roughly 1.0–1.9 is average, 1.9–2.9 suggests early insulin resistance, and above about 2.9 indicates significant insulin resistance. Some labs and studies use a single threshold near 2.0–2.5. Interpret against your own laboratory’s reference range.
How should the sample be taken?
Both glucose and insulin must come from the same fasting blood sample, drawn after an 8–12 hour overnight fast. Non-fasting values make HOMA-IR unreliable. The score also loses meaning in people on insulin therapy or with very high insulin levels, where clamp studies are more accurate.
What does insulin resistance mean?
Insulin resistance means the body’s cells respond less to insulin, so the pancreas must make more to keep blood glucose normal. It is central to type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome, and often improves with weight loss, exercise and dietary change. A raised HOMA-IR is a flag to look at these, not a diagnosis by itself.
Is HOMA-IR the same as QUICKI?
HOMA-IR and QUICKI use the same two inputs but express the result differently: HOMA-IR rises with insulin resistance, while QUICKI (a log-transformed index) rises with insulin sensitivity. They are often reported together. This calculator is an educational reference, not medical advice.
This is a reference tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Results depend on the laboratory, assay and clinical context, and reference intervals vary between labs and by age and sex — always read your result against the range printed on your own report and discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
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