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How to Read Your Hemoglobin (Anemia) Numbers

Go through each item to see the details. This is general information to help you understand a routine blood test result, not a medical diagnosis. If a result concerns you, talk with a doctor.

  1. What hemoglobin is

    Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low level can mean tissues aren't getting enough oxygen, which is why it's the primary number used to check for anemia.

  2. Normal ranges differ by sex

    Reference ranges vary somewhat by lab, but a commonly cited normal range is roughly 13-17 g/dL (about 130-170 g/L) for adult men and roughly 12-15 g/dL (about 120-150 g/L) for adult women. Women's lower reference range is generally attributed to physiological blood loss from menstruation.

  3. Common thresholds for diagnosing anemia

    A commonly used threshold defines anemia as hemoglobin below 13 g/dL (130 g/L) in adult men and below 12 g/dL (120 g/L) in adult women. For pregnant women, a lower threshold of below 11 g/dL (110 g/L) is often used instead.

  4. Common causes of mild anemia

    Iron deficiency, chronic blood loss from menstruation in women, and an unbalanced or restrictive diet are among the most common causes of mild anemia. Because the underlying cause can vary, further testing is often needed to pin it down precisely.

  5. What to do if your number is low

    If hemoglobin comes back low, checking iron-related markers (serum iron, ferritin) alongside it is a typical next step to look for a cause. If the cause is unclear or the number is quite low, seeing a doctor is important to rule out other causes, including gastrointestinal bleeding.

Remember: the normal range itself differs for women

The same hemoglobin number is evaluated against a different normal range depending on sex. When reading a result, check the range that applies to your own sex β€” and for women in particular, menstrual cycle timing or pregnancy can change how a given number should be interpreted.

General information, not a diagnosis

This page is meant to help you understand a routine blood test result and isn't a substitute for medical diagnosis. Reference ranges can vary by lab and by individual circumstances, so if a result concerns you, talking with a doctor is the accurate way to get a proper interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

My hemoglobin is a bit below the normal range β€” is that a problem?

A mildly low result is often due to a common cause like iron deficiency, but if you have symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, or the number stays low over repeat tests, it's worth seeing a doctor to identify the cause.

Is a high hemoglobin number also something to worry about?

It can be β€” dehydration, smoking, and less commonly other underlying conditions can push hemoglobin higher than normal, so a result outside the normal range in either direction is worth looking into.