Hemoglobin levels: what's normal, high and low
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Hemoglobin is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as CBC with Differential, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- g/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $21.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Hemoglobin 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+ | 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL |
| Female, age 18+ | 12.0 – 15.5 g/dL |
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.
What your Hemoglobin result may mean
Often reflects dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitude. In rare cases it can signal a blood disorder.
What a high Hemoglobin means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Commonly associated with anemia from iron deficiency, blood loss, chronic disease, or certain vitamin deficiencies.
What a low Hemoglobin means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Hemoglobin test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Hemoglobin is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CBC with Differential | This marker only | $21.99 |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | 5 tests | $74.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
| Post-COVID Recovery Panel | 7 tests | $99.99 |
| Fitness & Performance Panel | 8 tests | $119.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Hemoglobin: 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 | $21.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $21.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $18.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Blood Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Hemoglobin.
Frequently asked
Often reflects dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitude. In rare cases it can signal a blood disorder. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your hemoglobin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $21.99.