HOMA-IR Calculator
Enter your fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels to calculate your insulin resistance score.
Both values must be from a fasting blood draw (at least 8 hours without food).
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is a calculation that estimates how insulin resistant your body is, using just two numbers from a fasting blood test: glucose and insulin.
It's one of the most practical ways to detect insulin resistance early — often years before fasting glucose becomes abnormal. This is especially important for women with PCOS, where insulin resistance is a root cause in ~70% of cases.
The Formula
HOMA-IR = (Fasting Insulin × Fasting Glucose) ÷ 405
Glucose in mg/dL, Insulin in µIU/mL
What the Scores Mean
| HOMA-IR | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 1.0 | Optimal insulin sensitivity |
| 1.0 – 1.9 | Borderline — early insulin resistance |
| 2.0 – 2.9 | Moderate insulin resistance |
| ≥ 3.0 | Significant insulin resistance |
HOMA-IR and PCOS
Insulin resistance is the #1 metabolic driver of PCOS. High insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess androgens (testosterone), which causes acne, hair loss, irregular periods, and difficulty conceiving. Improving insulin sensitivity often improves all PCOS symptoms.
Read more: PCOS and Insulin Resistance: What It Is and How to Fix It →
Related Tools & Resources
- PCOS Type Quiz — find out if insulin resistance is your primary driver
- Ovulation Calculator — track fertility with PCOS
- PCOS and Insulin Resistance Guide
- PCOS Diet: What to Eat and Avoid
- PCOS and Exercise: Best Workouts
- PCOS and Weight Gain
- PCOS Natural Remedies
Important Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only. HOMA-IR is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis. Always discuss your lab results with your healthcare provider. Do not start or stop medications based on this calculator alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Track your PCOS symptoms and insulin resistance over time.
Join the PCOS Tracker waitlist →Understanding HOMA-IR & Insulin Resistance
This free HOMA-IR calculator helps you understand your insulin resistance level using two simple blood test values: fasting glucose and fasting insulin. HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is one of the most widely used markers for detecting insulin resistance — a key driver of PCOS symptoms.
The formula is straightforward: HOMA-IR = (Fasting Insulin × Fasting Glucose) ÷ 405 (when glucose is in mg/dL and insulin in µIU/mL). A score below 1.0 is considered optimal, 1.0–1.9 suggests early insulin resistance, and 2.0+ indicates significant insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS have scores of 2.5–5.0 or higher.
Why does insulin resistance matter for PCOS? Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, which disrupts ovulation, causes acne, promotes hair loss on the scalp, and triggers excess hair growth on the face and body. Addressing insulin resistance often improves all of these symptoms — it's the upstream lever that moves everything else.
The good news: insulin resistance is reversible. Regular exercise (especially strength training), reducing refined carbohydrates, getting 7–9 hours of sleep, and losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve your HOMA-IR score. Supplements like inositol (myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio) and medications like metformin may also help. Retest every 3–6 months to track progress.