HOMA-IR calculator — insulin resistance in PCOS
Calculate your HOMA-IR score from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Instant result with clinical interpretation and country-specific thresholds. No data sent to any server.
Tool · updated 16 May 2026
HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is a score calculated from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. It is used clinically to guide investigation of insulin resistance in the context of PCOS / PMOS.
Its limitations are important to understand: threshold values vary between countries, laboratories, and insulin assay methods. A score is not read in isolation — it must be interpreted with your doctor, in the context of your full clinical picture. Learn more about insulin resistance in PCOS.
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Conversion: 1 g/L ≈ 5.55 mmol/L ≈ 100 mg/dL
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Formula used (source: Matthews DR et al., 1985, referenced in international guidelines):
- In mg/dL: HOMA-IR = (glucose mg/dL × insulin µU/mL) / 405
- In mmol/L: HOMA-IR = (glucose mmol/L × insulin µU/mL) / 22.5
Related resources: Insulin resistance and PCOS · PCOS lab tests guide · Prepare my appointment
How to use this tool
The calculation uses two fasting values (at least 8 hours without eating or drinking): your fasting glucose and your fasting insulin. You will find these values on your blood test report. Enter them above.
HOMA-IR thresholds — international comparison
HOMA-IR has no universal cut-off. Reference values vary by country, ethnicity, and clinical context. Below are the most-cited references for 2023-2026.
| Reference | Threshold | Context |
|---|---|---|
| France (HAS, Endocrine Society 2023) | 2.5 | Most commonly used threshold in French clinical practice to suspect significant insulin resistance. |
| United States (American Diabetes Association) | 2.7 | More conservative US threshold, often paired with postprandial glucose screening. |
| Japan (Japan Diabetes Society) | 1.6 | Asian populations have different insulin sensitivity; lower threshold avoids under-diagnosis. |
| Brazil (ELSA-Brasil cohort, 2015) | 2.0–2.4 | Varies by sex and ethnicity. Reference used in Latin American clinical practice. |
| Pregnancy | Not applicable | Glucose metabolism changes significantly during pregnancy. HOMA-IR is not validated in this context. |
Methodological note: these thresholds apply to fasting measurements (≥ 8h). Standard formula: HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose mmol/L × fasting insulin µIU/mL) / 22.5. In mg/dL: replace 22.5 with 405.
What to do with this result?
HOMA-IR is an indicator, not a diagnosis. It helps your doctor guide next steps. Depending on your context (irregular cycles, weight changes, family history), further tests may be suggested: HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid panel. → See the lab tests guide