HOMA-IR Calculator: Insulin Resistance Index

HOMA-IR, HOMA-β and QUICKI from fasting glucose and insulin: insulin resistance and beta-cell function with reference ranges and interpretation.

Free · No registration or payment

Result

HOMA-IR: 1.85 index
QUICKI: 0.348 index
HOMA-β (beta-cell function): 94 %
Glucose used: 5.20 mmol/L
Insulin used: 8.0 µIU/mL

Calculated with the HOMA1 model (Matthews 1985) and QUICKI (Katz 2000) for a single fasting draw. Reference ranges are population benchmarks from the cited sources. Laboratories use their own ranges, and interpretation depends on clinical context: discuss the result with your physician.

The result updates as you change the fields. Your data never leaves the browser.

Only upon clicking, current data is sent to generate the PDF and is not stored.

How it is calculated

HOMA1 (Matthews, 1985) and QUICKI (Katz, 2000) model fasting glucose and insulin. They describe different aspects of the same data and are used mainly in research. HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance, HOMA-β estimates secretion within the model, and QUICKI estimates insulin sensitivity. These indices do not replace clinical diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

Formula

HOMA-IR = Glucose (mmol/L) × Insulin (µIU/mL) / 22.5 HOMA-β (%) = 20 × Insulin (µIU/mL) / (Glucose (mmol/L) − 3.5) QUICKI = 1 / [log10(Insulin, µIU/mL) + log10(Glucose, mg/dL)]

Limits of the method

The indices are valid only for fasting samples (8–12 h) and do not apply during insulin therapy, secretagogue use, decompensated type 1 diabetes or low glucose (HOMA-β is undefined at glucose ≤ 3.5 mmol/L). Insulin reference values depend on the assay, and HOMA-IR cut-offs on the population (2.0–3.8 across studies). The result is not a diagnosis but a reason to discuss glucose metabolism with a physician.

Sources of the method

This calculation is for reference only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medication or have any doubts, discuss the result with a physician or a qualified nutrition professional.

How to calculate HOMA-IR from lab results

Test glucose and insulin from one sample

Both markers must be measured fasting from the same blood draw — in the morning after 8–12 hours without food, coffee or exercise. Insulin "from another day" makes the index meaningless.

Enter values in the units on your report

Labs report glucose in mmol/L or mg/dL and insulin in µIU/mL (mIU/L) or pmol/L. Switch the units to match your report — the calculator converts automatically.

Compare all three indices

Review the indices alongside the original results, sampling conditions and laboratory reference values. HOMA-β cannot establish pancreatic exhaustion.

HOMA-IR worked examples

HOMA1HOMA-IR 1.33

Glucose 5.0 mmol/L, insulin 6 µIU/mL

HOMA-β = 80 %; QUICKI = 0.366.

Worked example: these two values alone cannot establish good health.

HOMA1HOMA-IR 3.48

Glucose 5.6 mmol/L, insulin 14 µIU/mL

HOMA-β = 133 %; QUICKI = 0.317.

Compare values with the reference ranges of the laboratory that performed the tests.

HOMA1HOMA-IR 6.16

Glucose 6.3 mmol/L, insulin 22 µIU/mL

HOMA-β = 157 %; QUICKI = 0.294.

Elevated glucose needs clinical assessment; the index does not prescribe further tests.

Why normal sugar does not rule out insulin resistance

Normal fasting glucose does not exclude reduced insulin sensitivity. HOMA-IR does not establish an individual diagnosis either: clinicians consider symptoms, medication, history and other markers. Calculating this index in everyone to detect hidden diabetes is not required.

HOMA-IR, HOMA2 and the clamp: which is more accurate

The clamp measures insulin sensitivity directly; HOMA1 and QUICKI estimate it indirectly. HOMA2 is a separate computer model and is not interchangeable with HOMA1. Trends require consistent methods and comparable sampling conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal HOMA-IR?

There is no universal diagnostic cut-off: results depend on the population and insulin assay.

Can I calculate HOMA-IR if insulin is in pmol/L?

This calculator uses 6.945 pmol/L per 1 µIU/mL. Insulin conversion depends on assay calibration: if your laboratory specifies a different factor, use its original µIU/mL result. One factor does not fit every assay.

How does HOMA-β differ from HOMA-IR?

HOMA1 secretion estimate relative to a model reference of 100%. It is not the percentage of living beta cells or a diagnosis of exhaustion.

Why is HOMA-IR unsuitable for people on insulin?

The model describes endogenous insulin produced by the pancreas in response to glucose. Injected insulin and secretagogues (sulfonylureas, glinides) break that relationship, and the index stops reflecting tissue sensitivity.

How can I lower HOMA-IR?

The biggest effects come from losing 5–10% of body weight when overweight, resistance and aerobic training (muscle is the main glucose consumer), 7–9 hours of sleep, limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates, and adequate protein and fiber. Drug therapy (metformin and others) is decided by a physician.

Should children and pregnant women use HOMA-IR?

Cut-offs for children and adolescents depend on age and pubertal stage (physiological resistance during puberty), and in pregnancy on trimester. Adult thresholds cannot be applied; a pediatric endocrinologist or obstetrician should interpret the result.

Complete the picture of glucose metabolism with other indices and anthropometry:

TyG Index Calculator (Triglycerides × Glucose) →HbA1c ↔ Average Glucose (eAG) Converter →Lipid Panel Calculator: LDL, non-HDL and Atherogenic Indices →Glycemic load calculator →Waist Anthropometric Index Calculator (WHtR, WHR, VAI) →

Other calculators

Lab tests and metabolic health

What next

Formula breakdowns, biomarker reference ranges and nutrition articles with cited sources are in the NutriFit knowledge base.

Go to the knowledge base