HOMA-IR Calculator

What is HOMA-IR?

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) is a surrogate index that estimates insulin resistance from paired fasting glucose and fasting insulin values. Higher values generally indicate lower insulin sensitivity, but the result must be interpreted in context.

This calculator uses the widely used linear HOMA1-IR approximation. It does not calculate HOMA2, which is a separate nonlinear computer model and may produce different estimates, especially at more extreme glucose or insulin values.

Before Using the Calculator

• Use fasting glucose and fasting insulin measured from the same blood draw, generally after at least 8 hours without caloric intake; water is allowed unless your clinician or laboratory gives different instructions.
• Do not enter post-meal glucose or insulin values because HOMA is based on a fasting steady-state model.
• For follow-up comparisons, use the same laboratory and preferably the same insulin assay because insulin methods are not fully standardized across laboratories.
• Pregnancy, acute illness, marked hyperglycemia, and exogenous insulin use can limit interpretation. Discuss the result with a qualified healthcare professional.

HOMA-IR Formula

With glucose in mg/dL: HOMA1-IR = fasting glucose × fasting insulin ÷ 405. With glucose in mmol/L: HOMA1-IR = fasting glucose × fasting insulin ÷ 22.5. Insulin is expressed in µU/mL.

For insulin entered in pmol/L, this calculator uses 1 µU/mL = 6.00 pmol/L. The displayed value is rounded to two decimal places, while the unrounded value is used to select the orientation band.

Why Can HOMA-IR Be Useful?

• Provides a simple estimate of insulin resistance from one paired fasting blood sample.
• Can support metabolic assessment and research when interpreted with clinical findings and other laboratory results.
• May help compare trends over time when testing conditions and laboratory methods remain consistent.

How to Interpret the Result

There is no universal HOMA-IR cutoff that separates normal from abnormal. Values vary with the population studied, age, clinical context, and especially the insulin assay used. The bands below are general orientation ranges, not diagnostic thresholds.

HOMA-IR does not diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. Those conditions are assessed using validated criteria such as fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test when clinically appropriate.

General HOMA-IR Orientation Bands

Important Limitations

HOMA-IR is an estimate and should not be used as a standalone diagnosis or as an automatic reason to start, stop, or change treatment.

• No single HOMA-IR threshold is valid for every population, age group, or insulin assay.
• Insulin assay variability can materially change the calculated result even when glucose is similar.
• The linear HOMA1 formula is an approximation and is not interchangeable with HOMA2 results.
• A single result may be affected by fasting conditions, acute stress, illness, medication, and normal biological variation.
• Interpret the result together with medical history, examination, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and other tests selected by a healthcare professional.

Supporting Insulin Sensitivity

If insulin resistance is suspected, management should be individualized. General measures that may support metabolic health include:

• Choose a balanced eating pattern rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods, while limiting sugar-sweetened drinks and highly refined carbohydrates.
• Combine aerobic activity with resistance exercise according to your health status and physical ability.
• Work toward an appropriate weight when advised, because excess body fat can contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity.
• Support regular sleep and address persistent stress as part of overall metabolic care.
• Do not start medication or supplements based on HOMA-IR alone; discuss abnormal glucose, HbA1c, symptoms, or repeated high results with a healthcare professional.

Medical References

1. Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, et al. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412–419.
2. Wallace TM, Levy JC, Matthews DR. Use and abuse of HOMA modeling. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(6):1487–1495.
3. University of Oxford, Diabetes Trials Unit. HOMA Calculator Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Knopp JL, Holder-Pearson L, Chase JG. Insulin units and conversion factors: a story of truth, boots, and faster half-truths. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2019;13(3):597–600.
5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1).