Hemoglobin A1c levels: what's normal, high and low
Your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. The gold standard for diabetes screening and monitoring.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Hemoglobin A1c is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 4.00 – 5.60 %. At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as Hemoglobin A1c, results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- %
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $21.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Hemoglobin A1c 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 |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 4.00 – 5.60 % |
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 A1c result may mean
5.7–6.4% indicates prediabetes; 6.5% or higher on two tests suggests diabetes. Even small reductions improve long-term risk.
What a high Hemoglobin A1c 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 A1c test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Hemoglobin A1c is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin A1c | This marker only | $21.99 |
| Diabetes Screening Panel | 3 tests | $59.99 |
| Pre-Diabetes Panel | 5 tests | $89.99 |
| Heart Health Panel | 5 tests | $99.99 |
| Erectile Dysfunction Panel | 7 tests | $114.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Hemoglobin A1c: 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 | $22.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $24.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
How often should you retest Hemoglobin A1c?
The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1c at least twice a year when you're meeting goals with stable control, and every 3 months after a therapy change or when you're not at goal. With prediabetes, a yearly A1c is the usual cadence. Because it reflects a ~3-month average, retesting sooner than 8–12 weeks rarely shows a real change.
General guidance from the sources listed below — your clinician may set a different schedule based on your history and results.
Related Diabetes & Blood Sugar biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Hemoglobin A1c.
Frequently asked
5.7–6.4% indicates prediabetes; 6.5% or higher on two tests suggests diabetes. Even small reductions improve long-term risk. 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 a1c?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $21.99.