HOMA-IR Calculator
Calculate HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) using fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels. This calculator provides an estimate of insulin resistance for laboratory, educational, and research purposes.
Enter Fasting Laboratory Values
Calculation Result
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It is a mathematical index calculated from fasting glucose and fasting insulin concentrations and is commonly used to estimate insulin resistance.
HOMA-IR is primarily useful as an indirect estimate of insulin resistance and is commonly used in metabolic research and selected clinical settings. It is not a direct measurement of insulin sensitivity.
HOMA-IR Formula
Units:
Glucose = mg/dL
Insulin = µIU/mL
The original HOMA model was developed using fasting glucose and fasting insulin to estimate insulin resistance from the relationship between hepatic glucose production and insulin secretion.
HOMA-IR Calculation Example
Consider a fasting glucose concentration of 95 mg/dL and fasting insulin of 8 µIU/mL.
HOMA-IR = 1.88
The calculated HOMA-IR is 1.88. Interpretation should be based on the appropriate laboratory, population, study protocol, and clinical context because universally applicable HOMA-IR cutoffs have not been established.
HOMA-IR Interpretation
| HOMA-IR Result | General Consideration |
|---|---|
| Lower HOMA-IR | Generally associated with greater insulin sensitivity. |
| Higher HOMA-IR | Generally associated with greater insulin resistance. |
| Population-specific cutoff | Should be interpreted using an appropriate validated reference or study-specific threshold. |
Clinical Use of HOMA-IR
HOMA-IR is commonly used as an indirect measure of insulin resistance in metabolic and endocrinology research. It may also provide supportive information when evaluating metabolic abnormalities in appropriate clinical settings.
- Assessment of insulin resistance
- Metabolic research
- Evaluation of metabolic syndrome
- Research involving obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Studies involving polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Assessment of cardiometabolic risk in selected research settings
HOMA-IR and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when tissues respond less effectively to the actions of insulin. The pancreas may compensate by increasing insulin secretion, particularly during earlier stages of metabolic dysfunction.
Because HOMA-IR uses fasting glucose and fasting insulin, a higher calculated value may reflect reduced insulin sensitivity. However, the result should be interpreted together with the patient's metabolic profile and other laboratory findings.
HOMA-IR and Diabetes Diagnosis
HOMA-IR is not a diagnostic test for diabetes. Current diabetes diagnostic criteria use standardized tests such as HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-hour plasma glucose during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. 1
Therefore, an elevated HOMA-IR should not be used by itself to diagnose diabetes or determine treatment.
HOMA-IR vs Fasting Insulin
Fasting insulin is a single laboratory measurement, whereas HOMA-IR combines fasting insulin with fasting glucose to produce an index of insulin resistance.
The two measurements provide different information and should not be considered interchangeable.
How to Calculate HOMA-IR
- Obtain fasting blood glucose in mg/dL.
- Obtain fasting insulin in µIU/mL.
- Enter both values into the calculator.
- Click Calculate.
- Review the calculated HOMA-IR value.
- Interpret the result using an appropriate reference or population- specific cutoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR is an index calculated from fasting glucose and fasting insulin that provides an indirect estimate of insulin resistance.
What formula is used for HOMA-IR?
When glucose is expressed in mg/dL and insulin in µIU/mL, the commonly used formula is: HOMA-IR = (Fasting Glucose × Fasting Insulin) ÷ 405.
What is a normal HOMA-IR value?
There is no universally accepted normal HOMA-IR value for all populations. Reference values and cutoff points vary according to population, assay method, study design, and the HOMA model used.
Does a high HOMA-IR mean diabetes?
No. A high HOMA-IR may indicate reduced insulin sensitivity, but it does not diagnose diabetes. Diabetes diagnosis requires appropriate validated glucose or HbA1c-based diagnostic testing.
Is fasting required for HOMA-IR?
Yes. HOMA-IR is designed to use fasting glucose and fasting insulin measurements. Consistent fasting conditions are important for meaningful interpretation.
Can HOMA-IR diagnose insulin resistance?
HOMA-IR provides an estimate of insulin resistance rather than a direct measurement. Clinical or research interpretation should use an appropriate validated cutoff for the population and methodology.
What units are used in this calculator?
This calculator uses fasting glucose in mg/dL and fasting insulin in µIU/mL.
Limitations of HOMA-IR
- HOMA-IR is an indirect estimate rather than a direct measurement of insulin sensitivity.
- There is no universally accepted cutoff applicable to all populations.
- Results may vary with insulin assay methodology and laboratory conditions.
- Fasting status and preanalytical conditions can influence glucose and insulin measurements.
- Different versions of the HOMA model may produce different results.
- HOMA-IR should not be used alone to diagnose diabetes.
Disclaimer
This calculator is intended for educational, laboratory reference, and research purposes only. It does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. HOMA-IR results should be interpreted according to appropriate laboratory methods, validated reference values, and clinical context.
References
- 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.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026.
- Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics.
