Insulin resistance means the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. It often comes years before type 2 diabetes and is linked with abdominal obesity, fatty liver and polycystic ovary syndrome. HOMA-IR is used widely in research and some clinics, though cut-offs vary between populations.
How to use the HOMA-IR Calculator
- Fasting glucose
- Fasting insulin
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter fasting glucose and fasting insulin from the same blood sample, taken after at least 8 hours without food. The calculator multiplies them and divides by the model constant.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | Units: mg/dL, mmol/L |
| Fasting insulin | In µU/mL |
What each result means
- HOMA-IR = [Fasting glucose]×[Fasting insulin]÷405
- HOMA-%B (beta-cell function) = 360×[Fasting insulin]÷([Fasting glucose] – 63)
- QUICKI = 1÷(log10([Fasting insulin]) + log10([Fasting glucose]))
Example values
How the main result changes when Fasting glucose changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Fasting glucose (mg/dL) | HOMA-IR |
|---|---|
| 47.5 | 1.17 |
| 71.25 | 1.76 |
| 95 | 2.35 |
| 118.75 | 2.93 |
| 142.5 | 3.52 |
| 190 | 4.69 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
HOMA-IR = glucose (mg/dL) × insulin (µU/mL) ÷ 405 (or glucose mmol/L × insulin ÷ 22.5)
HOMA-%B = 360 × insulin ÷ (glucose mg/dL − 63)
QUICKI = 1 ÷ (log insulin + log glucose mg/dL)
Worked example
Inputs: Fasting glucose: 95 mg/dL; Fasting insulin: 10 µU/mL.
Results: HOMA-IR = 2.35; HOMA-%B (beta-cell function) = 113 %; QUICKI = 0.336.
Key terms
- HOMA
- Homeostatic model assessment.
- QUICKI
- Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a universal HOMA-IR cut-off?
No. Values from about 1.9 to 2.9 are used depending on the population.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, both values must be fasting.
Can HOMA-IR be used if I take insulin?
No. It is only valid without insulin treatment.