Free Testosterone levels: what's normal, high and low
The biologically active, unbound fraction of testosterone. Often more clinically meaningful than total.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Free Testosterone is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 47.0 – 244 pg/mL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $54.99 all-in as Testosterone, Free & Total, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- pg/mL / ng/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $54.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Free Testosterone Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 47.0 – 244 pg/mL |
| Female, age 18+ | 0.100 – 6.40 pg/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units · free testosterone calculator
What does a high Free Testosterone mean?
High free testosterone means more of the hormone is unbound and active. In women it is the most sensitive lab clue to PCOS or, when marked, an adrenal or ovarian source; in men it usually reflects testosterone therapy or a low SHBG (obesity, insulin resistance) rather than overproduction. It is interpreted with total testosterone and SHBG together.
Common causes of a high Free Testosterone
- Women: PCOS (most common), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors (rare, usually very high)
- Low SHBG from obesity, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism or anabolic steroids — raises free T even with a normal total
- Testosterone or DHEA supplements and therapy
- Men: exogenous testosterone or anabolic steroids
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Women: acne, oily skin, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, irregular periods
- Men: often none; acne, irritability or reduced fertility on therapy
What clinicians usually check next
- Total testosterone and SHBG to explain the pattern
- Women: DHEA-S, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, LH/FSH; pelvic ultrasound if PCOS is suspected
- Fasting insulin/A1c — insulin resistance is the usual driver of low SHBG
- Repeat on a morning sample; free testosterone assays vary, so trends within one lab matter most
Follow-up tests at TestWell: FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ($29.99), LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ($36.99), SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) ($34.99).
Seek care promptly if
- Rapid virilization in a woman (deepening voice, clitoral enlargement, sudden hair growth) — prompt evaluation for a hormone-producing tumor
Why is my free testosterone high but total normal?
Because SHBG is low — less binding protein leaves more hormone free. Obesity and insulin resistance are the usual reasons; treating those raises SHBG.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Free Testosterone mean?
Low free testosterone with a normal total usually means SHBG is high — from aging, oral estrogens, hyperthyroidism, liver disease or low body weight — so less hormone is available to tissues. Low free and low total together point to true hypogonadism. Guidelines still require a repeat morning sample and symptoms before treatment is considered.
Common causes of a low Free Testosterone
- High SHBG: aging, oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, low body weight, some anticonvulsants
- True hypogonadism (low total as well): testicular or pituitary causes, opioids, glucocorticoids, obesity
- Afternoon draw, acute illness, poor sleep (temporary)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Low libido, erectile difficulty, fatigue, low mood, reduced muscle mass
- Women: low libido and energy — but the assay is imprecise at female levels
What clinicians usually check next
- Total testosterone and SHBG on a 7–10 a.m. repeat sample
- LH, FSH and prolactin if total is also low
- TSH and liver panel when SHBG is high
- Equilibrium-dialysis free T or calculated free T rather than a direct analog assay
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ($29.99), LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ($36.99), Prolactin ($39.99), SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) ($34.99).
Is calculated or measured free testosterone better?
Equilibrium dialysis (what TestWell runs) is the reference method; calculated free T from total T, SHBG and albumin is a close second. Direct analog immunoassays are unreliable and best ignored.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Free Testosterone test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Free Testosterone is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Testosterone, Free & Total | This marker only | $54.99 |
| Erectile Dysfunction Panel | 7 tests | $114.99 |
| Men's Health Panel | 8 tests | $139.99 |
| Men's Hormone Panel | 7 tests | $199.99 |
| PCOS Panel | 9 tests | $240.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Free Testosterone: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $54.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $74.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $46.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Free Testosterone.
Frequently asked
What does a high Free Testosterone mean?
High free testosterone means more of the hormone is unbound and active. In women it is the most sensitive lab clue to PCOS or, when marked, an adrenal or ovarian source; in men it usually reflects testosterone therapy or a low SHBG (obesity, insulin resistance) rather than overproduction. It is interpreted with total testosterone and SHBG together.
Why is my free testosterone high but total normal?
Because SHBG is low — less binding protein leaves more hormone free. Obesity and insulin resistance are the usual reasons; treating those raises SHBG.
What does a low Free Testosterone mean?
Low free testosterone with a normal total usually means SHBG is high — from aging, oral estrogens, hyperthyroidism, liver disease or low body weight — so less hormone is available to tissues. Low free and low total together point to true hypogonadism. Guidelines still require a repeat morning sample and symptoms before treatment is considered.
Is calculated or measured free testosterone better?
Equilibrium dialysis (what TestWell runs) is the reference method; calculated free T from total T, SHBG and albumin is a close second. Direct analog immunoassays are unreliable and best ignored.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my free testosterone?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Free Testosterone results?
Most Free Testosterone results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Free Testosterone test cost?
Our Testosterone, Free & Total starts at $54.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Free Testosterone test?
Fasting is not required for the Free Testosterone test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Free Testosterone test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a Free Testosterone result?
Biotin supplements, exercise and time of day can change a Free Testosterone result without anything being wrong. Biotin supplements can shift Free Testosterone — stop biotin ≥72 hours; tell the lab if you can't. Exercise can raise Free Testosterone — draw in the morning before training. Time of day can shift Free Testosterone — draw 7–10 a.m.; confirm a low result with a second morning draw. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your free testosterone?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $54.99.